Out There Outdoors // August 2019

A C I D M T N R e s c u e | n u t r i t i o n | g o o d h y d r at i o n AUGUST 2019 // FREE

THE INLAND PACIFIC NORTHWEST GUIDE TO ADVENTURE + TRAVEL + CULTURE

GET OUT THERE BACKCOUNTRY ISSUE

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

Ferry County

P e d a li n g

backcountry

hikes kettle Crest & North cascades

MTB SHRED FEST: NEW KOOTENAY TRAILS & NELSON, B.C. CLASSICS

Spokane's Fire

Lookout Museum

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

Osprey Mira 32 L with Hydraulics 2.5 L

GEAR CHECK | HIKING HYDRATION

Reliable (Re)Source Water is fluid, but getting a handle on better ways

has integrated into all of its flexible bottles and

to haul it while hiking is the type of trailworthy

reservoirs. To save cubic space this material also

innovation that fires up our inner gear nerd. We’ve

collapses to minimal volume for easier packing

seen hundreds of bottles, backpacks, bladders and

when empty—a huge benefit when repacking an

even buckets over the years—but what is really

overstuffed pack. And, for even more space-saving

making a difference in our trail packs boils down

convenience, many of their bottles’ caps can be

improvements in durability and compressibility.

swapped with the Katadyn BeFree filter that turns

The big change in the former is lightweight, durable

lakes and streams into safe, drinkable backcountry

TPU—the outer coating on bombproof base

water sources.

camp duffels—that hydration leader HydraPak

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter fits all Seeker models Plug-N-Play Cap Kit fits all Seeker models

Stash 1 L expanded and collapsed

Seeker 3 L

AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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CONTENTS

FEATURES

25 | Citizen Science & the Crown of the Continent 27 | Gone Native

25 DEPARTMENTS 13 | Health & Fitness 14 | Flashback 15 | Biking 17 | Urban Outdoors 21 | Gear Room 22 | Running 23 | Hiking 28 | Way Out There

COLUMNS 16 | Out There Kids 19 | Eatology 20 | Everyday Cyclist

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IN EVERY ISSUE 7 | Intro 8 | Dispatches 12 | Hike of the Month 18 | Provisions 24 | Nature 29 | Outdoor Calendar 30 | Last Page

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

LIKE HIS GRANDFATHER, JESS LOVED FISHING, AND IT’S ONE OF THE MANY REASONS I FELL IN LOVE WITH HIM.

Roll

WE

[ and run and Swim ]

WACANID RIDE • SEPT 9-14 SCENIC HALF MARATHON • SEPT 15

»

THIS IS HOW

»

CHALLENGE

YOURSELF IN SANDPOINT Feed your competitive nature in Sandpoint, Idaho with some of our amazing late-summer endurance events! Our signature events for runners, bikers and swimmers are among the finest in the Pacific Northwest. And be sure to book some extra days to enjoy time on magnificent Lake Pend Oreille, in our inspiring Selkirk and Cabinet mountains or just to experience the superb dining, shopping and amazing live entertainment that vibrant downtown Sandpoint offers. See you here, in beautiful Sandpoint!

TAKE A RUN IN

Sandpoint this summer Schweitzer Huckleberry Color Fun Run

2.5k & 5k Family runs on the mountain • August 4

Spokane-to-Sandpoint Relay Race Epic relay from Mt. Spokane to City Beach • August 16-17

Scenic Half Marathon Through downtown and across the lake • Sept 15

BIKE IT, OR SWIM IT

Premier swim and rides Long Bridge Swim

Northwest’s premier open water swim • August 3

WaCanId Bike Ride 370-mile supported ride into canada • Sept 9-14

Get links to Register

visitor information 800-800-2106 | VisitSandpoint.com

www.RunBikeSwimSandpoint.com AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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AUGUST 2019 WWW.OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM PUBLISHERS

Shallan & Derrick Knowles EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Derrick Knowles MANAGING EDITOR

Summer Hess ASSOCIATE EDITOR & DIGITAL MANAGER

Lisa Laughlin ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jon Jonckers SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR

Amy McCaffree EVENT COORDINATOR

Jenae Denlinger COPY EDITOR

Andrew Butler CONTRIBUTORS

Jean Arthur Nancy Banhart S. Michal Bennett Paul Chisholm Jed Conklin Tim Connor Lauren DeLand Emily Erickson Summer Hess James P. Johnson Jon Jonckers Derrick Knowles Shallan Knowles Gwen LeTutour Steve Maher Amy McCaffree Ammi Midstokke Erika Prins Simonds Allison Roskelley Justin Skay Ana Maria Spagna Aaron Theisen Ken Vanden Heuval Holly Weiler Wil Wheaton Alix Whitener Dan Wilson ART + PRODUCTION

Jon Jonckers Shallan Knowles Kimberley Loberg TO REQUEST COPIES CALL

509 / 822 / 0123 AD SALES

Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 derrick@outtheremonthly.com

OUT THERE OUTDOORS

Mailing Address: PO Box #5, Spokane, WA 99210 www.outthereoutdoors.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 Out There Outdoors is published 10 times a year by Out There Monthly, LLC.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2019 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC.

Fleet Feet Spokane Spokane - 1315 W Summit Parkway

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Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death.

Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly/Out There Outdoors do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Spokane Valley PROUD MEMBER Of

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ON THE COVER: JEANNE ARMSTRONG ON THE SUMMIT OF THE BEEHIVE DOME IN THE NORTH IDAHO SELKIRKS.

Photo: Jon Jonckers 6

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

Intro: Lessons from the Wild MILE 34. MY FEET ACHE, burn, and swell with painful blisters. Each step has become a burden, and our pace has slowed to just over one mile per hour on the downhill. It’s 11:30 p.m. and we have 10 more miles to go. I curse my optimism (wearing brand new boots will be fine, I told myself) and accept the consequences— an unplanned night out. We throw down our sleeping bags beside the hitchrails at the lower Olympus Guard Station and enjoy the horizontal position after an 18-hour day. Fortunately, despite the mosquitos and piles of dried manure around us, sleep sets in quickly.

The alarm sounds at 5 a.m. the next morning, and I’m more mentally prepared to finish the sufferfest. I count our blessings: the wet socks dried inside my shirt overnight; it did not rain. The last

of the almond butter slathered over the last of the Lara bars, plus the last 10 Sour Patch Kids, serve as breakfast. I rummage through the first aid kid and tape large, gauzy pillows to the back up my heels and inside of my arches before sliding my battered pups into the crispy socks and damp boots. We continue the oozy-foot shuffle to the Hoh River trailhead, moving a good bit faster than the night before, dreaming of hot ramen and cold beers.

Looking back on every backcountry adventure, I realize the excitement of these trips originates from all that could go wrong—weather, navigation, a multitude of human errors—and one’s ability to adapt and persevere when (not if) they do. In some ways, the same is true in many sports. After watching highlight reels from this year’s Tour de France, I realized the severe curves and sprint finales are so

exciting because someone might wreck. We sit on the edge of our seats during Olympic races, even if there is a clear favorite, because a hamstring might pop or an athlete might tumble. Even in tightlycontrolled conditions, the unexpected can change everything.

But the stakes of backcountry pursuits are much higher because of their remoteness. Sprain an ankle running around the local high school track, and you can call a friend or summon a Lyft home.

Sprain your ankle in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, and you’ve got to draw on some grit (and hopefully a good pair of trekking poles) as you crutch your way out. That the risk is greater in the remote and wild parts of our country does not mean we shouldn’t visit those places; but it does mean that preparedness, training, and experience are manda-

tory parts of any backcountry endeavor.

In this issue of OTO, Jean Arthur describes how backcountry citizen scientists are providing data that help researchers track and understand climate change; Ana Maria Spagna reflects on her partner’s obsession with foraging and adopting native plants from remote areas; and Allison Roskelley shares a beautiful portrait of her husband’s love of fishing and mountains in “The Rope and the Line.” They all touch on how these pursuits add meaning and depth to our lives, and how we’re better for the lessons we learn out there in the backcountry—even if those lessons come at great physical discomfort or personal cost. // SUMMER HESS, MANAGING EDITOR

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Dispatches

SPOKANE COUPLE TACKLE THE CDT SILVERTON, COLORADO

Two long-distance hikers from Spokane, a married couple with the trail name "LauTrav," started thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) on April 22, 2019.

Beginning in New Mexico, Travis Nichols and Lauren DeLand, both seasoned longdistance hikers, plan to end their epic hike at the Canada border this fall after hiking for five months. Nichols and DeLand completed the 2,653mile Pacific Crest Trail together in 2016, and DeLand hiked the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail in four months and five days in 2017. After completing the CDT, DeLand will join the ranks of several hundred other hikers who have earned SKI-HIKING ON THE CDT. // PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVIS NICHOLS AND LAUREN DELAND. a “Triple Crown” honor for completing the AT, PCT, and CDT. A recent report from LauTrav on the trail in Colorado, courtesy of their blog, highlights some of the challenge and thrill of thru-hiking the 3,100-mile CDT, the longest of the three premier U.S. longdistance hiking trails.

“We saw no other people nor tracks while making our way to Silverton. We had one ridge line where we had to carry skis but everything else was snowed in. I don’t know how to describe our ski experience other than combat skiing. If the desert of NM was indifferent to our presence CO almost feels like it’s working against us. We kicked steps across super steep slopes, battled giant tree wells, climbed over huge swaths of avalanche debris, stumbled over rocky ridges in our ski boots and had multiple moments where to set our ski edges we told ourselves not to look down or fall as we tried to cross a slope above a cliff as fast as we could.”

Stay updated on the couple’s journey along the CDT at Fivemonthstonowhere.com. (OTO)

LAKE CITY BIKE SHARE PROGRAM LAUNCHES COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO

A new bike sharing program kicked off in Coeur d’Alene in late July, bringing a new fleet of single-speed pedal bicycles from Republic Bikes to the Lake City. Spearheaded by Lake City Bikes, rental bikes are initially available at the Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park for $7 an hour or with a $25 monthly membership. Bikes can currently be picked up and dropped off at trailhead docking stations at the state park, and Lake City Bikes hopes to expand the program to other locations in downtown Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Riders need to download the BLOOM Sharing App which provides a map of available bicycles and makes renting a bike through an encrypted banking system easy. Solar powered modules on the bikes house a GPS tracking system, wheel lock, and Bluetooth capacity that connects the rental hardware to the app on the user’s smart phone. The bikes can be ridden anywhere but must be returned to a docking site and locked using the provided cable and wheel lock when finished. More info at Lakecitybikes.com.

(Derrick Knowles)

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE CITY BIKES

QLISPÈ RIVER FESTIVAL BRINGS MUSIC, ART, & COMMUNITY TO PEND OREILLE COUNTY CUSICK, WASH.

WDFW FACES A $7M BUDGET CRISIS OLYMPIA, WASH.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is caught in a major budget shortfall. Last May, state lawmakers did not renew the Columbia River Endorsement, which the department had asked to be renewed until 2023.

They also refused a request to allow the agency to increase fees and licenses, and did not give them as much from the State general fund as was requested. Washington fish and wildlife managers are now projecting they will have a $20 million budget shortfall over the coming two years—and it could more than double in the following two years.

In a virtual open house livestream video, WDFW Director Kelly Susewind reported, “We ended up with less than we needed to get through the biennium, which means we’re not going to be able to provide the services we had hoped to.” Washington lawmakers did provide a one-time general fund allocation, but it’s $7 million less than the WDFW needs, and the same lawmakers added a lot of provisions that increased costs. To make matters worse, in light of their pending diminished funds, the agency is seeing an increase in public pressure to address hot-button topics, such as Columbia fisheries and wolves.

Programs or services that could be impacted include investment in conservation habitat, hatchery improvements, expanded fishing opportunities, hunting access, and wildlife area improvements.

Additional law enforcement was another need the WDFW previously hoped to advance in the coming years. No one expects to see any drastic changes in the next couple months; however, the department will have their hands full as they try to balance their budget. (Jon Jonckers)

River Valley Lifestyle, a new community organization in northeast Washington’s Pend Oreille County, aims to create events that encourage citizens to enjoy the natural bounty and culture of the Inland Northwest. The group’s first event, the Qlispè River Festival, a music and arts festival, is set for August 23-24 on the grounds of the newlyopened Kalispel Park in Cusick. The Qlispè River Festival will feature a variety of talented artists with items available for purchase, as well as local and regional musicians performing throughout the afternoon and evening, including diverse genres of singer-songwriters, a funk band, bluesrock, folk, Native American drumming and more.

Lodging is available for the weekend, including 33 RV sites and eight small cabins for rent at the Kalispel RV Resort and tent camping at the Pend Oreille County Fairgrounds, one mile south of the music and arts venue.

To make the Qlispè River Festival happen, River Valley Lifestyle teamed up with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Once one of the poorest Native American tribes in the United States, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is now one of the top private employers in the Spokane region. The historically humble and hospitable tribe operates Northern Quest Resort & Casino, the region’s premier destination resort.

Tribal health and social service programs, supported by the resort, have increased the quality and life expectancy for tribal members and surrounding communities near the tribe’s reservation along the Pend Oreille River. The tribe maintains a number of business enterprises, provides a total of 2,300 jobs, and has donated more than $18 million to regional non-profit organizations. Find out more about the Kalispel Tribe’s rich cultural history and their progression at Kalispeltribe.com.

Follow the Qlispè River Festival on Facebook or find more details on its Eventbrite page. Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $10 per day. Twoday tickets are available only at Eventbrite.com for $15. Children 12 years and under are free, if accompanied by an adult. (OTO)

THE BRIGHTER CIDER LIFE #STAYCATION

#ONETREE4ALL

ONETREEHARDCIDER.COM

SOLE YOUTH OUT EXPLORING THE WINTER WILDS. // PHOTO COURTESY OF SOLE.

MOUNTAIN FIELD CAMPUS FOR LOCAL YOUTH IN THE WORKS SANDPOINT, IDAHO

Underserved rural youth in Bonner County, Idaho, and beyond will soon have a Mountain Field Campus to explore and learn about winter wildlands and the greater Lake Pend Oreille Watershed, thanks to recent grant funds. Leading the charge is Sandpoint-based Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE), with support from many local and regional partners, including the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and the City of Sandpoint which recently awarded a $28,413 grant to the project. With this High Five Community Transformation Grant, SOLE is one step closer to completing a major $70,000 fundraising campaign to establish a Mountain Field Campus at Schweitzer Mountain Resort that will serve as a hub to educate and empower underserved local youth through outdoor physical activity. Since 2010, SOLE has been focused on providing intentional and transformational experiential education programs for youth in the Sandpoint area and beyond. Stay tuned for updates on progress at: Soleexperiences.org (OTO) AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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thank you 2019

sponsors

partners

Dispatches DEEP CREEK TO GET A MUCHNEEDED LATRINE

RIVERSIDE STATE PARK, SPOKANE, WASH.

The Bower Climbing Coalition (BCC) is on track to fund a permanent bathroom facility to be installed at the Deep Creek trailhead in Riverside State Park by spring 2020. This facility will serve Centennial Trail users along with Deep Creek climbers, mountain bikers, and hikers.

Deep Creek is a beautiful basalt canyon in Riverside State Park with world-class sport climbing, but currently offers nothing more than a gravel parking lot at the main trailhead.

Working with Riverside State Park, and with support from the Roskelley family, the BCC is dedicating this effort to renowned local climber Jess Roskelley who died in a climbing accident in Canada earlier this year. Deep Creek was one of his favorite climbing areas, and it will be a fitting tribute to include a memorial to Jess in the design.

Ultimately, the BCC has partnered with Big Sky Brewing, REI, Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance, Missoula’s Rocky Mountaineer’s, and a few private donors. Admittedly, this is a toilet; however, this is a major step towards creating a facility that will serve thousands of people each year. For the latest updates, please follow the Bower Climbing Coalition Facebook page.

(Jon Jonckers)

CLIMBING IN DEEP CREEK CANYON. // PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

NEW KICKSTARTER FOR BEAR MINIMUM SPOKANE, WASH.

exhibitors volunteers & participants

The minds behind Spokane-area gear company Bear Minimum have been working overtime to bring some new products to market. Best known for their superlight, compact folding cookpot, they’re moving ahead with three new products—and they’re revealing it all on Kickstarter on August 1, 2019.

Last May, Bear Minimum and Grim Survival both had products represented in a survival kit. Both companies admired each other’s products and ingenuity, so they began brainstorming together. Bear Minimum owner, Cory Santiago, says, “We hit it off instantly and this has been an easy and fun collaboration. We are developing a new line together that complements the Bear Bowl cook pot perfectly but also can be used with other pots. We both have a high standard when it comes to manufacturing and materials and are excited about these new products.”

Made from 8mm thick surgical stainless steel cards, Bear Minimum invented a lid that doubles as a griddle, two utensils that fit together to make tongs, and a survival stove that folds down even smaller than their smallest Bear Bowl. Although they don’t have final specifications for the products, most will weigh less than 3 ounces, and all three of them combined are smaller than a smartphone. The Kickstarter campaign will only run for 30 days, so check it out sooner than later. Info: Kickstarter.com/profile/grimnbearit. (Jon Jonckers)

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

READERS’ TRIP

PLAN TO MINE IN THE CABINET MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS RESURFACES

KEEP THE CABINET MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS WILD. // PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN VANDEN HEUVAL

Last year, the State of Montana took enforcement action against Hecla Mining Co. CEO, Phillips Baker, under the state’s “bad actor” law, which says mining companies and their senior executives can’t get a new permit if they’ve reneged on past clean-up obligations unless they reimburse the state for those costs. Yet, while this matter is still in court, Hecla and its CEO are pursuing an exploration permit for the Montanore Mine that would tunnel into the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness—a slice of northwest Montana wild country that’s a refuge for hikers, climbers, horse packers, and a wide range of wildlife, including threatened species like grizzly bear and bull trout.

The full mine plan has already been rejected by the courts for violating the Clean Water Act, National Forest Management Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Now, the company is back to the drawing board, pushing for a new exploration permit to dig under the wilderness.

The Kootenai National Forest is accepting comments until August 5, 2019, on a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Montanore Minerals Corporation proposal to evaluate an underground copper and silver ore body and a tailings impoundment site near the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.

For more information or to send in your public comments (include “Montanore Evaluation Project DSEIS” in subject line), visit: Fs.usda.gov/detail/kootenai/landmanagement/projects/?cid=fseprd639727 (OTO)

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HikeOfTheMonth JUNGLE HILL LOOP

KETTLE RANGE, NE WASHINGTON // By Holly Weiler

[a slow trike]

IT’S A TRIKE!

BIG SAGE AND BIGGER VIEWS ALONG THE KETTLE CREST. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

Ride Drink Party Ride Again It’s Coffee, Humans.

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THE JUNGLE HILL loop offers hikers the option of a strenuous day hike or a moderate backpack trip in the Columbia Highlands. On a typical August visit, hikers will be distracted by ripe huckleberries along the lower portions of the hike, and will enjoy colorful wildflower displays along the Kettle Crest.

This hike can also be shortened to any length by doing an out-and-back in either direction or by leaving a car at Sherman Pass and hiking one way from Jungle Hill trailhead.

I typically begin my circuit at the Jungle Hill trailhead in order to get the majority of my climbing out of the way early in the hike, then eventually finish with a big downhill. The loop may be completed in either direction, but I generally hike it counter-clockwise so that I can linger in the best huckleberry patches on the Sherman Pass Trail at the end of the hike. For those who prefer to avoid driving on dusty Forest Service roads, it's also easy to start this hike at Sherman Pass.

To try my preferred route, start by dropping down the hill from the trailhead and immediately crossing Sherman Creek. Then begin the switchbacking climb up Jungle Hill Trail #16, which makes up for its unrelenting ascent by having an interesting forest in its lower reaches and wildflower-filled meadows near the top. The trail is a little less than 4 miles but climbs approximately 2000 feet. The reward at the top is an old sheepherders' camp with excellent access to a piped spring. It's always recommended to filter, but this is the purest water source along the Kettle Crest.

From the campsite, continue south on the Kettle Crest Trail #13. The trail skirts around Jungle Hill first and then Columbia Mountain.

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Learn more about FST & contact Kimberly:

sheridanstretchtherapy.com Located on the South Hill, E 34th Ave

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

SUPPORT LOCAL TRAILS: Volunteer with WTA on a backpack trip to North Fork Sullivan Creek, Aug. 15-18, or help build a new bridge in Mount Spokane State Park in late August.

Holly Weiler writes the Hike of the Month for each Out There. She hopes to hike and trail run over 250 miles during August for the annual WTA Hike-aThon fundraiser.

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ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 15.4 miles (much less for out-and-back options) RATING: Difficult (full loop); moderate (out-andback shorter options) ELEVATION GAIN: 3348 feet (full loop) MAP: USGS Copper Butte and Sherman Peak GETTING THERE: From Kettle Falls take Highway 395 west across the Columbia and turn left on Highway 20.

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The spur trail to the summit of Columbia Mountain is a great option for extending this hike. Pass rock outcroppings and aspen groves, and then descend to Sherman Pass. There's an outhouse available at the parking lot at the pass, but to continue the hike cross the trailhead access road and continue downhill on Sherman Pass Trail #82. This trail passes the Sherman Overlook Campground, another alternate starting point for the loop for anyone who would prefer to car camp at this small campground just off the highway.

The trail passes the campground and descends to Sherman Creek through multiple huckleberry patches. At the creek, a short uphill finish will return hikers to the Jungle Hill Trailhead.

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SPOKANE

Health&Fitness PLANT-BASED BADASSERY //

By Emily Erickson

KATIE ADAMS & EMILY ERICKSON AT ROUND TOP. // PHOTO: GWEN LETUTOUR

THERE ARE A COUPLE FACETS of my life for

which people consider me “crazy.” Looks of confusion and judgment are paired with tilted heads and foreign expressions, often leading me to keep these facets tucked away and only really discussing them upon prompting.

However, these two parts of my life are not only growing in popularity but are gaining traction as a dynamic duo—one making the other better and encouraging me to speak a little louder. These “crazy” parts of my life are my plant-based diet and my participation in the world of ultra-running.

Plant-based diets—or eating patterns in which a person obtains the majority of her sustenance from plants—and endurance athletics (activities that require extended periods of exertion) are often considered extreme. But they do not happen overnight for most.

For me, the transition to comprising the majority of my diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds happened slowly, evolving as I learned more about how food can be considered medicine in addition to fuel. As for ultra-running, after finishing my collegiate track and cross-country career, words like “splits” and “mile times” prompted gut-wrenching shudders, pushing me into the welcoming, “just try and finish” attitude of ultra-long distance races.

Previously, these two concepts have been considered mutually exclusive, as “plant-based” often incites impressions of emaciated, boney limbs, and bodies lacking muscle or designed more for gardening than running 100 miles or lifting weights.

But recent studies are not only finding plantbased diets adequate for participation in endurance athletics, but optimal when approached appropriately. From NFL players to 100-mile marathoners, the plant-based diet is gaining traction as a way to enhance performance, promote recovery, and assist in injury prevention.

In the study, “Plant-Based Diets for Cardiovascular Safety and Performance in Endurance Sports,” as seen in the journal “Nutrients,” The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine explains the benefits of plant-based diets as they relate to athletic and endurance-focused performance. “Because plants are typically high in carbohydrates, they foster effective glycogen storage. By reducing blood viscosity and improving arterial flexibility and endothelial function, they may be expected to improve

vascular flow and tissue oxygenation,” the researchers say.

As glycogen stores are critical in delaying fatigue and crashing as we exercise, being better equipped to create and access those stores is advantageous in long-distance sports. Additionally, having improved blood flow and oxygenation allows us to move with less effort for longer periods of time.

The study also details that, “Many vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, helping reduce oxidative stress [and] . . . have also been shown to reduce indicators of inflammation,” all necessary for preventing injury and promoting efficient recovery.

Similarly, a Sandpoint local, plant-based ultra athlete, co-founder of Plant Positive Running, and certified running coach, Gwen LeTutour explains, “When it comes to performance, a few factors will dictate your results: training, sleep, mindset, food, genes, and more. Some of these factors you can control, so if you want to reach your full potential, every controllable detail should be addressed.”

He continues, “Food is a huge component since it will affect your overall health, your recovery, your longevity, and on a shorter term, your fuel for a race or training season. This is why a lot of elite athletes are switching to a plant-based diet to reach new levels in their performance. A healthier body will perform better and perform longer.”

But transitioning to just any plant-based diet isn’t an option for those engaging in endurance sports, as getting enough calories, fats, and proteins are essential parts of a successful nutrition plan. Doing due diligence in researching the best plant foods for meeting all of your needs is critical in reaping the benefits a plant-based diet has to offer endurance athletes.

LeTutour recommends exploring resources like NutritionFacts.org and content from plant-based professional athletes and coaches like that from David Roche and Rich Roll. Finally, he encourages staying tuned for the impending September 2019 documentary, “The Game Changers,” a film about elite plant-based athletes—a film that will further show that being plant-based and an endurance athlete may not be so “crazy” after all. // Emily Erickson is a Sandpoint-Based freelance writer, trail runner, snowboarder, and mountain adventurer with a flair for hopping in alpine lakes and taking too many left turns.

AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Flashback SPOKANE'S FIRE LOOKOUT MUSEUM // By Holly Weiler

TOURING THE FIRE LOOKOUT. RIGHT: QUARTZ MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT, AN EASY HIKE CLOSE TO SPOKANE. // PHOTOS: HOLLY WEILER

AUGUST 9 MARKS THE 75TH BIRTHDAY of Smokey

Bear. Smokey's milestone birthday is a great excuse to delve into the history of wildfire prevention, and there's no better place to learn than the Fire Lookout Museum in Spokane. Nestled into a quiet suburban neighborhood near Whitworth University, the museum includes a near replica of a Forest Service compound, complete with every conifer native to the Inland Northwest.

The Fire Lookout Museum is open to tours by

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

appointment only from March through October each year. Main attractions include a fully restored L-6 Fire Lookout tower, one of only two remaining such structures, and the historic Usk Fire Guard Station, built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and donated to the museum in 1994. The Guard Station houses a restored 1953 fire truck and a collection of vintage fire fighting tools. Inside the main house, one room is devoted entirely to Smokey Bear memorabilia.

During the museum tour, visitors learn how the catastrophic wildfires of 1910 gave rise to wildfire prevention through fire lookout structures, strategically placed upon mountaintops to allow for early detection of distant fires. During their heyday in the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930s, new lookout towers were built across the nation.

This network of remote backcountry lookouts connected mainly by mountain trails and serviced by pack strings created a unique summer job for the men and women who served as smoke sentries.

During World War II, the lookouts were even staffed year-round to monitor for incoming enemy aircraft. However, from the 1950s onward, advances in technology generally phased out the need for fire lookout sentries in remote backcountry locations.

Many of the fire lookout structures were destroyed, either deliberately or through disrepair.

Today it is still possible to visit a few remaining fire lookouts within our region, but the majority of the lookout sites are reduced to weather-beaten boards, a collection of rusty nails, and the occasional staircase to nowhere. Arrange a visit to the Fire Lookout Museum for a deeper sense of the lookout era, then try some of the suggested hikes to visit a few of the still-standing historic lookouts. Contact Ray Kresek to schedule a tour: (509) 466-9171 or rkresek@comcast.net. The museum is located at 123 W. Westview, Spokane, WA 99218. More info online at Firelookouts.com. // Holly Weiler writes the Hike of the Month for each Out There. She has often been spotted wearing a hardhat and hiking with trail maintenance tools in remote backcountry locations.

Fire Lookout Hikes Experience a bit of wildland fire fighting history on a hike to one of these Inland Northwest fire lookouts.

• Columbia Breaks Fire Lookout Center, Entiat, Wash. A .5-mile self-guided fire interpretive walk, with a Smokey Bear birthday celebration event on August 10th, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Goat Peak Lookout. A 5-mile round-trip hike to a staffed lookout near Mazama.

• Mount Bonaparte. An 11-mile round-trip hike to a 1914 lookout cabin northeast of Tonasket, Wash.

• Columbia Mountain. A 7.5-mile roundtrip hike on the Kettle Crest in Northeast Washington to a lookout cabin restored during a Passport In Time project in 2009.

• Vista House. A .25-mile round-trip hike to the upstairs portion of Vista House, the 1934 original fire lookout on Mount Spokane.

Undergoing renovations.

• Lookout Mountain. A 5-mile round-trip hike overlooking Priest Lake in North Idaho.

• Oregon Butte. A 6-mile round-trip hike in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness in southeast Washington to a fire lookout that is staffed during the summer.

Biking DIRT MEETS DELUXE IN THE KOOTENAYS //

KOOTENAY SHRED FEST NEAR NELSON, B.C. // PHOTOS: AARON THEISEN

I’M OF THE ACCOMMODATIONS philosophy that amenities are secondary to access: road trip lodging is, first and foremost, a basecamp. But sometimes you can have both.

South of Nelson, B.C., Paul Hulshoff and partner Annelies Ellerman have built Logden Lodge, one of the few luxury lodges in the Kootenays that is vehicle accessible and therefore within the reach of Inland Northwest weekend warriors. The handful of private cabins bring hand-crafted European style to the Kootenays, but even more importantly, they bring adventurers within easy reach of classic Kootenay trails.

Recently I gathered a group of mountain bikers from the Columbia Valley and Okanagan regions of B.C.—no slouches in the trails department either—to ride the Mecca of Nelson. We made ambitious plans to tackle some of the classic trails of the Nelson area. Then Paul hands us a handdrawn map to a hidden trail system just outside historic Ymir. In an era of ride-tracking apps, a trail system that is quite literally off the grid is a rarity. The Nelson trails have been on all our to-do lists for years, but it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to check out some localsonly riding.

The next morning, we follow Paul’s map. We find an unmarked uptrack in open, loamy forest—a trail-builder’s dream. Luc, a patroller and build-crew member from Big White Bike Park, can’t stop raving about the dirt; whereas Nelson’s trails have already turned dusty in the early-summer sun, Ymir’s remain soft and loamy.

Following a mellow, switchbacking pedal up the climbing trail, we drop into a fast, twisting descent.

This is old-school riding: no berms, just a narrow stitch of singletrack, occasionally faint on the forest floor. At the bottom, branching trails funnel into a half-pipe-like wrinkle in the forest, then into a fast rhythm section, complete with a few wood features.

Even the need for thirst-quenching beers back in Nelson can’t stop us from eagerly reliving the ride back at the trucks.

Refreshed on Nelson Brewing Company beers and ready for another round of riding, we head to the Morning Mountain trail system west of Nelson.

Once home to a small ski hill, Morning Mountain contains some of the region’s most iconic lines: names like Powerslave and Bedframe have attained almost totemic status in the bike community. And like most sport in the Kootenays, the trail system here seems like it was conceived on a dare and then earnestly perfected.

Racing daylight, we opt to skip Powerslave in favor of the machine-built Turn Styles, a black-diamond flow trail. To get there, we drop into Placenta

LIKE MOST SPORT IN THE KOOTENAYS, THE TRAIL SYSTEM HERE SEEMS LIKE IT WAS CONCEIVED ON A DARE AND THEN EARNESTLY PERFECTED. Descenta, a classic blue-square tangle of roots and rock that would warrant a black-diamond rating anywhere else—the “Canadian curve” at work.

Despite the steep pitch, we encounter no braking bumps—those scalloped, chattering divots that

co ee

By Aaron Theisen

result from brake-seized wheels skipping down the trail—anywhere, which is either a sign of excellent trail construction and maintenance or a hint that people don’t use their brakes up here. Watching my BC riding buddies at work, I realize it’s probably a bit of both.

After a long shuttle retrieval, we arrive back at the lodge late, with just enough time to break out the terry bathrobes and slippers. We’ve all slept in cars or on couches for our rides with no complaint, but there’s something to be said for plush accommodations that allow you to make just one more run, knowing that hot showers and high thread counts await.

On our last day, before we part ways, we check out Salmo Ski Hill. Constructed by the Salmo Valley Trail Society, the trails are as steep as the ski runs are sedate. Inducer starts off fast with wooden features and S-turns, and then, following the respite of a comparatively mellow middle section, gets rowdy in its final stretch. Berms where the bottom drops out, coupled with mild exposure, make for some of the most white-knuckle riding of the trip, which is no small feat.

That the kid-friendly T-bar skiing of Salmo would translate to black-diamond riding in the summer surprises us. But the reality is, in BC there are amazing trails anywhere there’s land on which to swing a pick or stick a shovel. It’s a product of the same silver-rush spirit that settled the Kootenays.

And although it could not be further apart on the creature comfort spectrum from the area trails, Logden Lodge evokes that same spirit.

Who says dirtbags can’t appreciate the finer things? // Aaron Theisen is the author of “Day Hiking Glacier National Park and Western Montana.” He wrote about gravel biking in west-central Idaho in the July issue.

domacoffee.com AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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++++

KIDS+++++

BEYOND SMOKEY BEAR Teaching Kids About Wildfires // By Amy McCaffree SMOKE BILLOWED IN PATCHES from Hall Mountain on the east side of Sullivan Lake in the Colville National Forest when my family arrived for our camping stay over Labor Day weekend 2017. Since the Noisy Creek Fire had been declared contained, we didn’t expect to actually see fire when we arrived. After dark, we saw the glowing red of flames. Every morning, smoke hovered over the lake like fog. Fire eventually reached the shoreline, and kayakers paddled there for a close-up view. On Monday, we awoke to a campground inundated with ground-level smoke.

As we traveled home, the Inland Northwest was choking with smoke from around the region, including from fires in the Cascades, central Oregon, and Idaho.

As a mom, I’ve wondered how best to discuss wildfires with my young children. Beyond prevention, what’s most important for kids to know about wildland fires?

Nicole Bronson, fellow mom and a 4th and 5th grade teacher at Pioneer School in Spokane Valley, recommends helping children learn about ecology and interconnections in the natural world as a starting point for teaching about fire. Prior to becoming a teacher, Bronson worked for 10 years as a park ranger, including stints at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and Idaho’s Round Lake State Park.

As a teacher, she combines her ranger experiences with her studies in wildlife, parks and recreation, biology, and botany.

“What we’re doing is having an impact collectively [on our environment],” she says. Children

need to understand “how we impact each other.” that parents utilize online resources from credible sources, like the Washington State Department of This includes humans’ relationships with animals and habitat; the connections between human activNatural Resources and the Department of Ecology. ity and how our use of natural resources affect Teaching opportunities abound when your famihuman health (such as clean air and water); the ly is out there. “If you’re driving by an old burn area synergy between climate and weather (such as and not planning on getting out of the car, have drought and how climate influences weather); and the real, local examples of all these (such as drought trends i n t h e In l a n d Northwest.)

“Kids need to be exposed to lots of [environmental] themes and topics and be able to form their own opinions,” she says. It’s important that children understand that not all forest fires are bad, and that nature g o e s “t h r o u g h cycles of wildfire,” SMOKE FROM THE NOISY CREEK FIRE AT SULLIVAN LAKE, LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2017. // PHOTO: AMY MCCAFFREE says Bronson. She recommends the children’s book “The Charcoal Forest: How Fire kids look visually to see what’s gone and what’s still Helps Animals & Plants.” Another good resource there,” says Bronson. “Maybe do some predicting about what might happen next, in the next season is the National Geographic Kids book “Wildfires” or one or two or five years from now.” If you have

by Kathy Furgang. Bronson also recommends

the opportunity to get up close, she advises to look under bark, in dirt holes, and under downed trees.

“Get children to think about the past, present, and future [of the forest]. Ask your children: Where’s the water and shelter? In the process of fire, what plants can come back in and grow more easily now that the tree canopy is gone?” she says.

Smokey Bear, America’s official icon for wildfire prevention, turns 75 years old this summer, but Bronson says kids should also know about Reddy Squirrel. Created in 2002 by “Forest Magazine” and published by the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics (FSEEE) organization out of Eugene, the squirrel emphasizes readiness for inevitable wildfires. Holding a rake and wearing a hard hat, Ready Squirrel’s motto is “Forest fires happen. Be ready!” She offers a counterpoint to Smokey Bear’s fire-prevention message. Created to convey what fire ecologists and forest firefighters have long known, the Reddy Squirrel educational campaign’s target audience is people living in or near forests, as well as home insurance companies.

State parks and national forests, many of which are prone to wildfire, are frequent adventure destinations for families. Take the time to teach your kids what you can about the ecology of forests, the role of wildfires, and to further lighten our impact on the Earth beyond Leave No Trace. // Amy McCaffree is special section editor and Out There Kids columnist and has been writing for Out There since 2006.

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UrbanOutdoors POETRY PROJECT TO FOLLOW THE LENGTH OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER // By Summer Hess

COLUMBIA RIVER VIEWS. PHOTO: TIM CONNOR

IN APRIL the Academy of American Poets

awarded Claudia Castro Luna a Poets Laureate Fellowship, along with $100,000 in funding to support her new project, called One River: A Thousand Names. Next year she will travel the length of the Columbia River as it winds through Washington State on its way to the ocean, holding poetry readings and writing workshops.

These events will convene at the point where the Columbia enters the northeastern corner of Washington and continues to its encounter with the Pacific Ocean, highlighting the importance of this natural resource.

Castro Luna studied anthropology and urban planning in a past life. This expertise infuses her poetry with a deep geographical intelli-

gence and a desire to honor and investigate how Washingtonians interact with each other and the natural world. To Castro Luna, poetry is part of placemaking and people’s participation in the cultural makeup of the places they call home.

Castro Luna sees the Columbia River as a uniting force in a state that is conceptually divided between east and west. The Cascade Mountains have long imposed a geographical and mental barrier. By focusing on the river and its surrounding watershed, she invites us to reconsider our connectivity and how we are in relationship across physical and conceptual borders.

“We all have stories about the places we love.

This is why writing about place makes sense,” she says. Castro Luna has taught many workshops to people who have never written a poem, creating opportunities for them to write about places where they have found meaning and where their lives have unfolded. “Poetry is an easy vehicle to express this [love of place] in a more creative fashion.”

As part of the One River project, Castro Luna will identify established poets along the river to help teach poetry writing workshops. She also hopes to nurture the craft of new poets while fostering a love of poetry more broadly.

Jennifer Benka, executive director of the Academy of American Poets, explained in a written statement to 'The Spokesman Review' why Castro Luna’s project was among the most generously awarded. “Claudia Castro Luna is a poet whose work exemplifies how poetry can spark conversation and can help us learn about one another’s lives and unique experiences, which promotes greater understanding,” she says. Castro Luna also plans

to pair poems with images from the state archive.

To get a taste of what next year’s One River project might entail, check out Washington Poetic Routes. This digital poetry-mapping includes a poem from Spokane’s Tod Marshall, along with poets writing about Newport, Cashmere, and Brewster. If Castro Luna’s previous work is any indication, One River may help generate even more appreciation for regions that are culturally and ecologically rich, but sometimes excluded.

She notes, “The middle [of the state] gets lost.

This project will help carry voices and promote life and thinking and poetry from a part of the state we don’t hear about much.”

Visit www.castroluna.com to learn more about One River and other projects. // Summer Hess is the managing editor of Out There.

She loves to bike, run, and swim across the Inland Northwest.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF CLAUDIA CASTRO LUNA

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17

Provisions

(n.) food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey.

PHOTO: S. MICHAL BENNETT

APÉRITIF: GOOD HYDRATION

FRESH BLUEBERRY AND PROSCIUTTO PIZZA. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MCGLINN'S PUBLIC HOUSE

By S. Michal Bennett

WATER. AN ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE. Yet, since the first bottled water to the release of Gatorade in 1965, businesses, marketers, and scientists have been trying to find a way to make water better than itself.

Since changes in global recycling in 2018, the U.S. market has seen a downtrend in single use plastics. This means bottled water is not as popular as it once was. Recent studies and recalls have also revealed several brands with unacceptable levels of arsenic. Using a stainless steel bottle, like Greens Steel, Hydro Flask, or Kleen Kanteen, helps reduce plastic waste and gives you better control over what’s in your water.

Tap water is tested for safety and health, but it’s a great idea to fit your kitchen faucet with an inline filter as well as invest in a couple water bottle filter inserts. Look for filters that use activated charcoal, filter out more than just taste, and add minerals back into your water.

Electrolyte additives have also experienced a boost in popularity, with more targeted nutrients and reduced sugars in easy-to-use packets perfect for on the road, trail, or water. Liquid electrolytes, like Trace Minerals and Lyte Balance (based in the Spokane area), provide dense hydration without sugar and fillers. Add healthy flavors with muddled fruit, an ounce of drinking vinegar, or a packet of Rishi Matcha powder.

While research is divided, plant-sourced and infused waters can also be an acceptable source of hydrating nutrients. Coconut water is the most common, with maple water (pre-boil maple sap) making a comeback in 2019. Aloe water, the strained juice of the plant, could also protect your skin in the sweltering summer sun. And new to the U.S., wine essence water, infused with upcycled wine grape skins and seeds, is full of antioxidants.

Whatever you choose, keep tabs on the sugar content, and mix it up. Because, who wants to just drink boring water?

MCGLINN’S PUBLIC HOUSE, WENATCHEE, WA PHOTO: S. MICHAL BENNETT

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

MARYHILL WINERY 2018 PROPRIETOR'S RESERVE ROSÉ

DRINK YOUR APPLES AT COEUR D’ALENE CIDER CO.

Jill Morrison, owner of Coeur d’Alene Cider Co., is one of the growing numbers of women jumping head-on into the brewing world in the Inland Northwest. About six years ago, she purchased a fermenter and began the challenging and rewarding journey to where she is today.

In February, the Coeur d’Alene Cider Co. cider house and bottle shop opened its doors at 1327 East Sherman Ave. Formerly the legendary Rathskeller’s Tavern, Morrison has transformed the location into a simple yet comfortable place to easily walk to, hang out, sip a cider, and enjoy some good conversation.

In addition to her own ciders, including Inbetween Days and Blackberry Lemon, you can find a wide range of apple brews on rotating taps from fellow locals Summit Cider as well as others like Spokane’s One Tree Cider House, Tieton Cider Works, Schilling Hard Cider, Seattle Cider Company, and more. Get a four-taster sampler served on a wooden tray, drink a full glass of your chosen brew, fill a growler, or grab a can to go from the collection of hard-to-find, unique and European ciders available in the bottle shop cooler. A limited but choice selection of beers on tap and wine are also available, along with a small snack plate menu.

In May, the cider house launched The Coeur Club, their version of a mug club. For an annual fee, club members get a logoed drinking jar (larger pour!), a birthday flight, $1 off growler fills, and 20% off the bottle shop. Space is limited.

There is no doubt that Coeur d’Alene Cider is bringing a delicious oasis to the growing community of East Sherman. I look forward to enjoying Jill’s brews for many years to come. (S. Michal Bennett)

GF V 18

PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

DF

In the universe of rosé wines, the 2018 Maryhill Proprietors Reserve Rosé is a refreshing blend of first-class grapes with elite winemaking skills.

Rosé wines generally have two reputations: they’re inherently pink in color, and often abundantly sweet. The Maryhill Reserve Rosé is perfectly pink, but this is an ingenious class of rosé thanks to the dry taste, the smooth fruit character, and the balanced flavor.

According to the Maryhill website, Winemaker Richard Batchelor worked closely with Northwest growers, and grapes were harvested during the cool hours of the morning to preserve bright fruit notes.

They were left overnight to extract color from the skins before being pressed the following morning to recover the juice. This overnight soaking allowed for maximum color and fruit extraction from the skins without the harder tannin extraction seen in red wines.

The aromas and flavor of this rosé are primarily influenced by the collection of award-winning vineyards including 42 percent McKinley Springs, 31 percent Elephant Mountain, and 27 percent Fountain Farms. These vineyards testify to the caliber of the rosé, and it’s a subtle display of the Maryhill commitment to make their Proprietor’s Reserve distinguished and worthwhile.

If you’re adventurous, or you’re eclectic, or you’re a little curious, there’s no excuse to not buy this wine. In layman’s terms, if you love dark cabs or merlots, this won’t change your preference. But if you love rosé, then get ready to be impressed with this wine. The 2018 Maryhill Proprietors Reserve Rosé pairs with any meal, and it compliments any social gathering. It will be the first empty bottle at every occasion. (Jon Jonckers)

keto

Even the leanest and most health-conscience hikers and climbers succumb to pizza cravings. And when pizza is hand tossed and fire cooked, and its ingredients are locally sourced and farm fresh, it’s possible to indulge without guilt. As an added bonus, McGlinn’s Public House offers these delicious pies for only $10 a piece during happy hour, when pizza goes down even easier with discounted microbrews.

The stand-out pizza is the Italian sausage with red sauce, mozzarella, forest mushrooms, kalamata olive, and onion. The sausage is salty and spiced, the mushrooms flavorful, and it’s served with a salad’s worth of wilted kale on top. Fortunately, the crispy, puckered dough is available with any pizza options, which includes blueberry prosciutto, beet my goat, and wild mushroom, to name a few.

For east-bounders, McGlinn’s is the perfect stop on the way home from a weekend of cragging or exploring trails in Leavenworth. Because it’s 25 miles away from the Brevarian-themed hub, close parking abounds and the prices are targeted to locals, not tourists. While often busy during the traditional dinner hour, McGlinn’s is one of the few late-night kitchens in Wenatchee, serving food until 11 p.m. and drinks until midnight. The healthy pub also boasts enormous salads, unique sandwiches, delicious burgers, and a standout dessert menu.

McGlinns is also notable for its atmosphere.

The staff have created a parklet, or outdoor patio wonderland, on its public sidewalk. Between the trellising grapes, abundant flowers, cooling misters, and live music on the mini stage, McGlinn’s vibe often feels like one of those serendipitous summer nights where the whole gang is together, the drinks go down easy, and the food is just right. It’s the spot locals bring people who are visiting town for the first time, and the place in-the-know adventurers end up whenever they’re in the area.

(Summer Hess)

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Eatology NON-FOOD SOLUTIONS TO HEALTHY EATING // By Ammi Midstokke

SURPRISINGLY, THE GENERAL LACK of awareness

about how to cook baby bok choy is not why the American population is showing a blatant decline in health and a drastic increase in disease risk.

Nor can we blame a generation of mothers who taught us to boil brussels sprouts, forever marring their reputation in our memories. (Now we know they are most edible when sautéed with a bit of red onion and bacon.)

It isn’t so much that we don’t know what to eat, but that we continually back ourselves into corners where we can no longer make good choices for ourselves. Those choices might be to skip lunch, which inevitably results in eating a relative buffet of crackers and chips while preparing dinner. Or rushing out of the house without breakfast, sucking down a sugary mocha, then tanking just about the time an office-mate wanders by with a plate of donuts. Or staying up too late to watch Seinfeld reruns. Or the common inability to decline invitations.

There are other opportunities for less-thanhelpful choices: When we’re watching TV and

we’ve already eaten, everyone knows that sitcoms are funnier with popcorn or ice cream or chocolate covered almonds. When we’re exhausted from a ridiculous day of productivity and cranky bosses or clients, and wine calls us with its sultry promise of relaxation. When we go to parties and some hippie brought hummus and celery sticks, but we’re tolerating a boring conversation because it’s happening right next to the cheese plate.

When we celebrate with food. When we mourn with food. When we avoid our emotions with food. When we medicate and distract with food.

When we don’t give ourselves the opportunity to consciously consider what we want that food to do for us.

Our food is supposed to nourish our bodies, and yes, it should also be pleasurable. It should delight our tastebuds and inspire our Instagram photos.

It should be aesthetically pleasing (except maybe chili, but a good chili makes up for its appearance with hints of cocoa and complex layers of spice). It should provide us with ample nutrients to fuel our

adventures, heal our wounds, and age us gracefully.

Often, we don’t even give it the chance.

When we don’t take time to think about what our bodies need or to provide the right care, we prioritize a dirty little word called “convenience.” And you can find a lot of organic convenience in the supermarkets too, but that doesn’t make it healthy.

In order to make healthy food choices, we need to make healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some obvious little helpers that have nothing to do with what you choose to eat, but might just help you crave more vegetables and have more energy to be kind to yourself.

1. Sleep. I bet you’ve read that one a few times in every list ever written about how to improve your health, heart risk, marriage, etc. When we don’t sleep enough, we crave easy energy—sugar, carbs, and caffeine— which makes us crave more of those things, and an ugly cycle of trendy energy drinks follows. And we all suspect those are a gateway drug to meth use. Spare yourself the downward spiral and take a damn nap.

2. Eat some breakfast. Nothing original here either and it’s no magic trick. Your blood sugars are low when you’ve been fasting all night so stabilize them with a couple of eggs, some fruit and oats, or

leftovers from last night. Just sneak some protein and fat in there so you last through lunch 3. Stop doing so much. In my clinic, I hear time and time again, “I don’t have time to cook.” Frozen burritos and packaged foods fill the gaps so people can scroll social media, watch more TV, get up at ridiculous hours to go to the gym, stay up late, and invest an impressive amount of time in personal hygiene rituals, all at the expense of whipping together a salad in ten minutes while some smokies cook on the BBQ. Slow your roll and make yourself a real meal.

4. Make healthy friends. We’ve all heard that we’re the average of the five people we spend most our time with. Take a moment to look at your circle.

Do they encourage your healthy lifestyle choices or get you three martinis deep on a Wednesday night?

Are they the homemade-hummus-hippies? Spend more time with the people who challenge you to take better care of yourself. // Ammi Midstokke tries to surround herself with people who appreciate everything from a good pastry to a kale smoothie, but she only sends Christmas cards to the spirulina-drinkers. Last month, she wrote about the importance of knowing where our food comes from.

AMMI MIDSTOKKE’S “ADVICE FOR ANYONE ON ANYTHING” COLUMN Check out Ammi’s online-only “Advice for Anyone on Anything” column at OutThereOutdoors. com/?s=ask+ammi. Or send her your nutrition, health, outdoor fitness, or other random advice question at ammi@twobirdsnutrition.com.

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AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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LOCAL MOUNTAIN BIKER BREANNA JOY LOOKING STRONG ON THE UPPER KETTLE CREST TRAIL. // PHOTO: DAN WILSON

1,000 feet. 1,100. 1,200. Applying botanical knowledge and directional abilities more novice than my mountain biking, I was crudely estimating elevation gain on a knee-creaking climb to the Kettle Crest by observing the changing patterns of lupine lining the trail. There were lush clusters at first, proud stands of purple parade goers gustily waving riders upward. As my legs and lungs flagged, they dispersed and faded, their delicate summer flowers stuck in early spring. We had to be near the top.

Thirty riders, including many familiar faces from Spokane, converged on the Jungle Hill Trail for the inaugural Get Out Fest mountain bike ride outside Republic. Get Out Fest was organized by outdoor enthusiasts and Ferry County promoters to showcase the region’s recreation opportunities, in which cycling plays a healthy part. The event also featured a road ride around picturesque Curlew Lake, with an option to take the recently resurfaced southern section of the Ferry County Rail Trail.

Along with hikes, water sports on Curlew Lake, a portable climbing wall, and outdoor activities for kids, organizers hoped to bring diverse groups with compatible passions together.

“We had Evergreen here, and we also had backcountry horsemen here, two totally different groups of people, but they do the same work, and they’re passionate about the same stuff,” contends festival organizer Emily Burt, who returned home to Republic from Missoula and helped start the festival to inspire her fellow Ferry County admirers to share their adoration with people from farther afield.

“If you love a place, you love it how it is, not what it might change into,” admits Burt, who wants to share her love of Ferry County with outsiders while keeping the rural, “laid back, totally chill” atmosphere of the place intact.

Cyclists don’t want to ride through fresh horse excrement, and no equestrian wants her horse to be terrified into bolting by a bike, but the trails best suited to both share many attributes, and the riders share a love of being outdoors in beautiful places.

“I’d like to see less division about what we love here,” Burt says. With that goal in mind, she considers the first Get Out Fest “a huge success.”

Riding the mellow southern section of the Ferry County Rail Trail slowly, sun-dappled wetlands shared by otters, osprey, and egrets welcomed us as heartily as fellow cyclists, all species appreciating the breezy, warm day. Being ill-equipped, we stopped where the trail reverts to railroad ballast at the northern end of Curlew Lake and meandered

back to base camp at Ferry County fairgrounds, barely beating a summer squall. Meatier tires are needed north of here for now.

Thankfully though, the rail trail’s foundation has been awarded a grant from the state Recreation and Conservation Office that will enable backers to surface an additional 9 miles of the trail north of Curlew Lake with the same crushed, compacted rock as the section to the south, affording the skinny-tire set more opportunities to see the exceptional beauty and boundless wildlife along the route, and connecting the improved ends of the trail, touted by locals as the most scenic.

As for the climb up the Kettle Crest, it continues on. Must be well over 2,000 now. That’s easily three. This must be the top. The lupines here were as enfeebled as my rubbery legs and as scattered as my increasingly desperate thoughts about how little water I had, why I failed to bring a rain jacket, and that ominous creak in my bottom bracket. I was abandoning botany and hope even as I approached several Evergreen members, whose trail-building instincts led them to place bold stick-arrows at the actual high point of the route, at a turn I would have otherwise missed. After a brief break, the thrilling descent of Jungle Hill through ponderosa stands and side-hill meadows, over meandering creeks and down deep switchbacks, had me grinning wildly while watching the thick carpet of lupines return in a blur.

The following day, on advice from some locals, I decided to ride Sherman Peak loop. Clockwise was better, they’d suggested. Rocky switchbacks climbing fast from the trailhead toward the Kettle Crest Trail brought me to an area burned 30 years ago, whose sparse vegetation afforded expansive views of surrounding granite spires reaching for the sky, shedding their ponderosa drapes. A side trip to Snow Peak cabin, tucked into a stand of pines but affording big views, had me thinking of a winter trip.

The descent proved even more fun than dropping down Jungle Hill the day before. It was faster and smoother, with rhythmic side switches that forced big bug-eating smiles to my face. Wending my way down the serpentine turns on perfectly packed dirt, I realized I needed much more time to explore the myriad trails of Ferry County, and I noticed not even a single lupine. // Justin Skay maintains an eight-year, long-distance relationship with Ferry County, but he hopes to move closer one day. He wrote about local custom wheel-builder Matt Larsen in the last issue.

GearRoom ROCK SOK FOOD HANGING SYSTEM

I spent what seemed like an hour one night trying to get a rock tied to a length of cord lobbed over a branch from which to hang a sack of jerky, peanut butter, and other treats a bear would have loved to devour. After endless attempts and nearly beaning a buddy with a rock gone AWOL, we finally managed to secure our backpacking eats out of reach of marauding critters. Spokane-based Selkirk Designs has made hanging your food in the backcountry so much easier with the Rock Sok ultralight system. Fill the neoprene “sock” with one or more rocks, attach the first of two

36-foot cords with one of the two included carabiners, and chuck that sucker over just the right food hanging branch. Then remove the bag of rocks and use the second rope and carabiner to create a 2-to-1 mechanical advantage pulley system to more easily lift up to 100 pounds of food up for safe keeping.

The kit also comes with a 9-liter dry sack for storing and lifting your vittles.

If you’ve ever struggled with overnight food storage on a backpack trip, the Rock Sok will quickly become one of your favorite pieces of backcountry hiking gear. MSRP: $32.95.

Selkirkdesign.myshopify.com (Derrick Knowles)

BUCK 840 SPRINT SELECT KNIFE

sions such as preparing camp meals, creating tinder, and cutting away some tangled rappel webbing.

Best of all, the Buck Sprint knives include select and pro versions, which is a breakdown into choices by price point and handle materials. The blades are finished with Buck’s advanced Edge2x™ technology that makes them sharper out of the box, hold an edge longer, and easier to re-sharpen. All are made in the USA. Hold this knife in your hand and see the technology up close and you’re going to buy it.

MSRP: $60. Buckknives.com (Jon Jonckers)

Buck Knives continues to innovate and create revolutionary, all-purpose pocket knives. The brilliant new Sprint ‘flipper’ style knives incorporate ball bearing technology. In a nutshell, the hinge features a ball-bearing wheel that reduces friction and delivers a silky-smooth opening. Better still, the blade incorporates a ‘flipper’ tab that enables one-handed opening AND serves as a guard when the knife is open. Ultimately, the Sprint Knife proved invaluable on many occaENO LOUNGER SL CHAIR

When it comes to summer festivals, park concerts and barbeques, and lazy days at the beach, I’m a man of leisure.

And by that I mean a minimalist backcountry camp chair just won’t cut it. ENO’s Lounger SL low-riding chair keeps you lounging close to the things you love (cool grass, soft sand, and refreshing water) with the high-

profile back support you’ll need to put in an epic day of chilling.

It’s light enough to haul along on bikes or backpacks (3.5 pounds), yet built to last with anodized aluminum and “NewWave” Nylon as well as welcome features like a mesh seat and stretch cargo pockets all at a price that even the most frugal dirtbag can justify. MSRP: $79.95. Eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com (Wil Wheaton)

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CNOC COLLAPSIBLE WATER CONTAINER

One of the most frustrating things about backcountry hydration is how difficult it is to clean and thoroughly dry bladders, bottles, and other water containers. The Cnoc Vecto collapsible water bottle solves that problem, and others, with great design.

The soft, BPA-free bottle is easily filled, cleaned, and dried thanks to the bottom of the bottle featuring a slide-off-and-on closure system that allows you to easily scoop up water for filtration; reach in and

thoroughly clean its nooks and crannies; and open it wide for adequate, mildew-free drying. The Vecto comes in 2 and 3 liter sizes, is super light, rolls up into a compact package, and is tough as nails. Fill a Vecto from home for day hikes or use it on longer treks with one of several water filtration systems they are compatible with, like a Sawyer, Katadyn Befree, or other filters. MSRP: $19.99-$21.99. Cnocoutdoors. com (Derrick Knowles)

BLACK DIAMOND TRAIL BLITZ 12 PACK

The Black Diamond Trail Blitz 12 caters to long-distance hikers and runners who put in miles on a bus or plane before launching from the trailhead on a fast and light mission. In addition to being light and stripped of excess pockets and frills, the pack mashes down to a small size and flexible shape. The slim, low-profile side sleeves are perfect for stashing collapsible poles, and a zippersecured internal pocket holds credit cards, knife,

keys, and other essentials. The primary downfall of this pack is its lack of hydration sleeve, but a mini carabineer can be clipped to a small gear loop to keep the bladder from slouching, and the hose can be tucked behind the sternum strap.

The shoulder and sternum straps are comfortable and kept the pack in place and jostle free on a 20-mile fast hike/run.

MSRP: $39.95. Blackdiamondequipment. com (Summer Hess)

SLUMBERJACK HOVER SCREEN HAMMOCK

is adjustable. The Hover Screen Hammock weighs less than a full Nalgene bottle, and it’s roughly the same size. I’ve slept in several different hammocks over the years, and I have to confess that the added bug protection gave me so much more peace of mind that I wasn’t going to wake up with any mosquito bites. You still need a tarp for weather protection, but this is a great hammock for anyone looking for comfort, compactness, and convenience. MSRP: $59.95.

Slumberjack.com/hover-screen-hammock (Jon Jonckers)

The best features in a hammock are comfort, compactness and convenience. The Slumberjack Hover Screen Hammock delivers all of those elements, plus it features an attached bug screen. Better still, all of the attachment components are included, and the attached storage bag doubles as a side pocket. Thanks to its steel rings and carabiners, the hammocks boasts a 650lb load capacity. The integrated 40d polyester no-see-mesh allows for a comfortable bug-free slumber, and the screen height

AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

21

2019 Newport Autumn Bloom Running 5K & 10K Run FOR TRAIL RUNNING VARIETY, HEAD TO WENATCHEE

Newport Hospital & Health Services Foundation

// By Steve Maher

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10 K is a Second Seed Qualifier for Bloomsday 2020!

September 21, 2019 T.J. Kelly Park 9AM l

(Corner of 1st St. and Washington Ave.)

Newport, WA

Tourism support for 2019 Autumn Bloom is provided by City of Newport Hotel/Motel Tax Funds.

Register online at RaceRoster.com or download registration form at NewportHospitalAndHealth.org Pre-registration Deadline: 9/16/2019

On-site Registration: 7:30AM - 8:30AM WENATCHEE FOOTHILLS. // PHOTO: STEVE MAHER

Race Contact: Lori Stratton, Foundation Assistant (509) 447-7928, ext. 4373 NHHSFoundation@nhhsqualitycare.org

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WHEN I MOVED to Wenatchee Valley from Eugene,

Ore., in 1989, I recall being floored by the lack of trails in a place with such astounding beauty and recreational potential.

Along the Columbia River, which flows between the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, the first few miles of what would become the 18-mile Apple Capital Loop Trail network were in place back then, but that was it. There were no official trails in the Cascades foothills that slide into the community from the west, and few if any trails further up the valley.

Fast-forward to today and it’s an entirely different landscape. Over the past 10 years in particular, the trails have come in bunches to places like the Wenatchee Foothills, Squilchuck State Park, Columbia River waterfront, Leavenworth Ski Hill, and to the north at Lake Chelan. A decade ago, there were approximately 28 miles of trails in those locations. Today, there are 105 miles of trails, with another 10 miles to be completed by the end of 2019.

Much of the credit goes to the trail-building skills of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance’s Central Washington chapter and of the ChelanDouglas Land Trust, along with land managers such as Washington State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service.

For a trail runner like myself, it’s been a newfound paradise. These trails—I like to refer to them as front-country trails—are in close proximity to such cities and towns as Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Cashmere, Leavenworth, Chelan, and Manson. The access is so quick and easy that in many cases the trailheads are no more than a 5-or 10-minute drive from people’s homes.

While a significant portion of the trail building has been carried out by Evergreen and its cadre of mountain bikers, these new trails are almost entirely in line with what trail runners seek the most—variety.

“They provide the kind of challenges that trail runners want,” says Ed Henley, an ultra-runner who uses trails in the Wenatchee Foothills (in the Horse Lake, Sage Hills, and Number Two Canyon areas) for training. “You can get everything you need.”

Henley, who grew up at Lake Chelan before moving away for several years only to return nine years ago, says the trails expansion has been noticeable.

“It seems like I always stumble upon a new one when I am out,” he says.

Travis Hornby, Evergreen Central president, estimates $250,000 (through grants, donations and in-kind contributions) went toward developing 19 miles of new trails in Chelan County in 2018. That doesn’t include the 4,800 volunteer hours that went into these projects.

A big push for Evergreen Central currently is in an area known as Number Two Canyon, located about 6 miles west of the City of Wenatchee.

Approximately 13 miles have been added there, with another 17 miles to come. Number Two also will include a parking lot, restrooms, skills park, gazebo, and improvements to the county road leading to the site. Hornby estimates more than $1 million will ultimately be invested there. “All of the trails are and will be amazing for trail running,” he says.

And even before Number Two’s build-out is completed over the next three to five years, other projects now on the organization’s white board should be underway. Those include trails connecting the Number Two Canyon system with trails near Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort and with the Horse Lake trails owned and managed by the Land Trust in the Wenatchee Foothills.

When asked what the outdoor recreation scene will be like in the future in the Wenatchee Valley and Chelan County, Hornby has an interesting take.

“We are building it for our community,” Hornby says. “People who come here will be very impressed.

But we have built it with our community for our community.”

“We’re not chasing tourism dollars,” he adds. “We think it’s the right thing to do for the community and for our children.” // Steve Maher is co-owner of RunWenatchee, which puts on seven trail and road races annually in the Wenatchee Valley. He also is a former editor and reporter at “The Wenatchee World” newspaper.

BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY:

Hiking

SATELLITE MESSAGING DEVICES

EPIC IN A DAY

Crushing the Copper Ridge Loop // By Paul Chisholm LEFT: CROSSING THE CHILLIWACK RIVER TRAMWAY. // MIDDLE: ICY TRAILS ATOP COPPER RIDGE. // THIS PHOTO: THE TRAIL PASSES THROUGH OLD GROWTH FOREST ALONG THE CHILLIWACK RIVER VALLEY. PHOTOS: PAUL CHISHOLM

IT WAS LATE FALL in North Cascades National patches of snow as I picked my way along the ridge. the Copper Ridge Lookout.

Park, and snow was already coating the high “Just taking advantage of the good weather while At 11.4 miles the trail passed Copper Lake, the last peaks. But on this particular day, the sun was it lasts!” I said as we crossed paths. campsite on the ridge. As I skirted the east flank shining. Temperatures were climbing into the 50s.

“Hey man, this is it! Last day of the year!” he of 7142-foot Copper Mountain, I soaked up one Best of all, the hordes of summer backpackers called back exuberantly. last alpine vista before descending 3,000 feet to the who flock to the alpine glory of Copper Ridge valley below.

I passed two backcountry campsites (reserveable were gone.

It felt like a different world. I had left the windin person at one of the park offices) on the ridge The weather forecast called for bad weather before reaching the now-unstaffed lookout cabin scoured tundra, where hundred-year-old trees later in the evening—rain in the valley, snow in at mile 10. might be 4 feet tall, and entered the land of giants.

Now I could see down the Chilliwack River, far the mountains. But I was eager to run the 36-mile Old growth firs and cedars, many 5 feet or more Copper Ridge Loop, a classic North Cascades backinto Canada. Jagged mountain peaks surrounded in diameter, stood sentry over the bottomlands. packing route that most people hike over several me in all directions. I wanted to linger, but a chilly Centuries of fallen timber and rock lay beneath a days. This was possibly my last chance of shaggy carpet of emerald-colored moss. the season. I checked the forecast, predicted I forded the river and began the slow ascent back to Hannegan Pass. Near the the time it would take given my pace, and decided I had enough time to make it work.

24-mile mark, I crossed the Chilliwack on an The first miles clipped by. After an aerial tramway, pulling myself across the river The Copper Ridge Loop in the North Cascades is a classic hour and 4 miles of running, I was atop in a cable car. backpacking route with epic climbs (over 8,000 feet of elevaHannegan Pass, the site of an unregulatNow I was getting tired. The sun was sinktion gain), mountain lakes and streams, stellar alpine scenery, ed first-come first-served Forest Service ing low, and the temperature was dropping. and even a self-propelled cable car river crossing. The loop campground. In another mile I passed into The trail steepened. As I clicked on my headcan be hiked as a multi-day backpacking trip over several North Cascades National Park, and turned lamp, my pace slowed to a walk. days, or, if you’re short on time or enjoy a good sufferfest, left at the junction to ascend Copper Ridge.

That’s when the first raindrops began hiked or ran in one long day.

I climbed, rising steadily above the trees. to fall. It started as a light drizzle but soon

BACKPACKING THE COPPER RIDGE LOOP

From the ridge, I had a 360-degree view of became a drenching rain. Clearly, I had not ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 36 miles the glacier-carved peaks of the Cascades— beaten the weather.

SEASON: July-October Indian Mountain to the east, Hannegan As I climbed the pass, the rain turned to RATING: Difficult Peak to the west, and the jagged, vertigosnow, blowing horizontally in the stiff wind.

PERMITS: A backcountry permit, available at a National Park inducing spires of the Pickett Range further By the time I crested the pass, I was thoroughoffice no more than 24 hours in advance, is required for overto the south. Green forests from the vally soaked. My hands and ears were numb. I night camping in North Cascades National Park. A Northwest leys blended into oranges, reds, and yellows had only four downhill miles to go, but after Forest Pass is also necessary for trailhead parking. (OTO) up high, where the trees gave way to the running 32 miles and ascending nearly 10,000 fall colors of alpine vegetation—willows, feet, the task seemed Herculean. huckleberries, and heather. Above 6,000 I checked the campsite for backpackers feet, everything was covered in a thin, frosty film breeze pushed me onward. I was wearing only a who might be able to help me out, but finding no one I took refuge in the outhouse. of white. long-sleeved t-shirt and a thin pair of running Atop the ridge I met another runner going the shorts, so I relied on movement to keep me warm.

I considered spending the night there. It was other way, returning from an out-and-back run to My running shoes crunched through crispy sheltered, and I could continue in the morning.

IF YOU’RE TRAVELING ALONE in the backcountry, you might want to consider bringing along a GPS-enabled satellite messaging device. Such devices can let authorities know if you are in trouble and can provide them with GPS coordinates of your location. Even if you’re out of cell reception, you should be able to communicate via satellite.

Garmin and SPOT are the two major brands of satellite messaging devices. Both companies have devices that allow for two-way communication, so you can text back and forth with a cell phone user. Additionally, SPOT offers a simpler device that doesn’t do two-way communication but does have remote tracking, a distress signal, and a standard “OK” message. These devices typically run from $100 to $500. In addition to the upfront cost of purchasing the device, they also require a monthly subscription fee, which can be $10 or more per month.

Satellite messaging devices can be a helpful safety tool. But they can also create complacency among their users and encourage people to take bigger risks. When they are triggered needlessly, they create unnecessary headache for local emergency services.

Nothing can replace good outdoor sense.

Always remember to file your trip plan with a trusted individual, stay within your limits, and make good decisions when you are in the backcountry—otherwise, you may find yourself contemplating a cold night shivering in a latrine.

(Paul Chisholm)

But the temperature was already well below freezing, and I was wet. If a lot of snow fell overnight the trail could become difficult.

I pushed on, summoning my reserves to run the final miles. I moved quickly, aware that I was losing body heat. But I was also wary of injuring myself on the slippery rocks.

It was nearly 9 p.m. before I reached the trailhead. Coincidentally, a pair of climbers were also returning, chatting away as their ice axes clanked against their crampons in the darkness. I tried to call out and let them know I was there, but my voice didn’t carry in the wind and rain.

As I neared one of them, she let out a scream, nearly toppling over with surprise. I mumbled an apology before pushing past the couple to my car.

The trail was one of the most visually stunning I’ve ever seen. But next time I think I’ll give myself a few more hours. // Paul Chisholm is a biologist working in southeast Alaska. He wrote about the Spokane Beer Chase for the July issue of Out There. Follow him on Twitter at @PaulJChisholm.

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AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

23

Nature

THE PRINCELY PONDEROSA // By James P. Johnson

A THICK -BARKED PONDEROSA. // PHOTO: JAMES JOHNSON

SO OFTEN IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD or a trail close to town, I stop to look a majestic, thick-trunked ponderosa up and down. Sometimes it’s one tree or a group I’ve admired many times before. I have an enduring affinity for the most common tree in the Inland Northwest.

24

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

This attraction once led to a clandestine treeplanting program. Disappointed so few grew in my Garland neighborhood, I roamed the streets with a satchel of seedlings to plant. My tree-planting program took me to undeveloped lots and businesses where I perceived less than full attention was

given to landscape maintenance. I put in a few at my local post office, not because the grounds were neglected, but they had columnar basalt, another iconic Eastern Washington feature.

The ponderosa pine was named by Scottish botanist and explorer David Douglas, the same guy who named another common Inland Northwest tree—the Douglas fir. The drought-tolerant ponderosa grows best in dry climates and open spaces.

You don’t see many in Western Washington as the wetter climate allows other species to crowd out ponderosas, which can’t thrive in the shade of a thick canopy.

The most widespread pine in North America, ponderosas are found from southern British Columbia to western Texas. They range as far east as central Nebraska. Ponderosas live up to 600 years, with the tallest known living ponderosa laying down its roots in southern Oregon. Measured at 268 feet in January of 2011, if it were a building, it’d be the second highest in Spokane, beat out by the Bank of America building by about 20 feet.

Ponderosas can be identified by their long needles growing in bundles of three. Younger ponderosas with their scaly, gray bark are sometimes called bull pines. Older trees, often called yellow pine and identified by their orange, plate-like bark, have interior wood tinged slightly yellow compared to the white wood of the bull pine.

In our area, most ponderosas grow below 3,000 feet elevation. While hiking in the Kettle Range, I found a scrawny, solitary sapling at 6,500 feet.

It’s the highest I’ve come across one in Eastern Washington.

Of all native conifers, ponderosas are one of

the most fire-resistant. Historically, mature, open stands were common as frequent low-intensity fires eliminated undergrowth, shaping the ecology of healthy ponderosa forests. However, fire suppression since the West was settled has created denser stands and more fuel. Add in climate change’s hotter, drier summers and even the thick-barked ponderosa is unable to survive 21st century forest fires.

The failure of my tree-planting program didn’t deter me when I moved to a home that lacked our indigenous pine. Planting healthy saplings, including one three feet tall, I dug large holes and gently filled around the roots, making sure not to pack down the soil. Though it was mid-spring, when ponderosas are in their growth spurt, all the trees survived long term.

I used to do more than just look at pinus ponderosa. As a teenager, we had several in our yard, and I liked to climb the tallest one. The first branch was high up, and I had to do a bear-hug shimmy to reach it. Neighbors, passers-by, and family members would come into view unaware I was watching them. Who’d think to look for someone at the top of a tree? I often stayed a long time and enjoyed swaying quite a bit from side to side when a breeze came up. Occasionally I worried my weight would cause the top to bend more than normal and snap off.

Though it’s been many years since I climbed that tree, I’m going there soon for a family gathering. If I can still make it up, I’ll relive my treetop swaying. // James Johnson is the author of “50 Hikes for Eastern Washington’s Highest Mountains.” He wrote about native plant landscaping for Out There in 2016.

Citizen Science & the Crown of the Continent

By Jean Arthur RAPIDLY SHRINKING GLACIERS in Montana’s Glacier National Park alarm scientists and visitors to the mountainous 1.013 million-acre park along the Alberta border. In the past half century, more than half of Glacier’s ice pack has disappeared. All the glaciers have retreated.

To measure the impacts of a changing climate in the high country, the park and other public land managers enlist volunteers to monitor animals that may be at risk of diminishing populations or even extinction due to increased temperature, loss of glaciers, change in habitat, and the demise of forage.

The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center, based in West Glacier, Montana, recognizes that mountain goat and pika populations have declined outside Glacier, yet the park’s research staff needs baseline data to examine changes in these two high-elevation mammals. In 2008, the group established the High Country Citizen Science Project.

Since then, a few hundred volunteers have collected data on species of concern—pika and mountain goats—that rely on cool temperatures of the high country for foraging and escape from predators.

For the past five summers, my family and I have volunteered to backpack into Glacier’s mountains and valleys to document pika and mountain goats and their habitat. We pack binoculars, a GPS with study sites preloaded, telescope, tripod, goat and pika survey forms, and little envelopes to collect pika scat. Oh, and each of us pack a canister of pepper spray in case of a chance encounter with Glacier’s apex predator: the grizzly bear.

As we look for pika poop, my husband, Lynn, and son, Bridger, scramble over a boulder field between Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, where we started our backpack trip, and Bowman Lake, where we finished our five days in the high country.

“Shhhh,” I whisper. “I think I hear pika.”

Lynn can’t hear it. Bridger is skeptical. “It’s a marmot,” he says, and darn if the 23-year-old isn’t correct. The good news is that marmot and pika often share the same scree fields. The bad news is that we don’t find pika at this site.

“I found a haypile,” says Lynn, shining a super bright flashlight between meter-high rocks. “It’s really old though. And the scat is all white.”

We search for an hour for evidence: fresh scat, pika calls, and haypiles—piles of drying grasses, sedges, and wildflowers that can reach as large a meter in diameter and one meter high. During the Crown of the Continent field training session five years ago, we hiked to a pika site near Two Medicine Lake. As we examined a haypile, a pika squeaked “eep!” and dashed under a boulder, carrying a mouthful of purple flowers.

The endearing American pika is an herbivore that looks mouse-like but is instead related to the rabbit and hare family. At 120-175 grams, the cinnamon brown or gray fur balls shelter among boul-

ders. As subnivian creatures pika don’t hibernate; instead, they tunnel under the snow that can be several meters deep in Glacier each winter. They hide from predators, coyotes, weasels, ermines, eagles, and other birds of prey—and now climate change.

Summer temperatures linger deeper into fall and spring, warming and melting glaciers at a faster pace than ever documented before. Species that must have cool weather to survive might not be able to relocate to higher, cooler elevations. Pika’s body temperature at 104.2 degrees can quickly increase to a deadly 109.6 degrees even when the outside temperature is below 80 degrees. They don’t sweat or pant so they need habitat—cool places—to prevent their body temperatures from rising dangerously high.

According to the National Park Service, “Climate models predict that the average temperature in North America will rise by 2-10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the 21st century. Northwest Montana’s average temperature has already risen 2.34 degrees (1.8 times the global average) in the last century, with high elevation areas warming at an even faster rate.” This contributes to shrinking habitat as conifers encroach the alpine meadows, reduce forage, and impede the pika’s ability to detect predators.

That’s where the glaciologists from Glacier National Park sound an alarm. They estimate the glaciers at 7,000 years old from the Little Ice Age. Prior to that, during the Pleistocene Epoch, which ended about 12,000 years ago, ice covered the Northern Hemisphere, lowering sea levels some 300 feet. Near Glacier National Park, ice was a mile deep.

These massive receding glaciers shaped the famous hanging valleys of Glacier. Glaciers sculpted the park’s iconic arêtes, horns, cirques, tarns, and chains of lakes called paternoster lakes. Based on current research models, all the glaciers will disappear by 2030.

None of the study sites we examined in 2016 and 2017 revealed current pika residents. Did they perish or move? Relocating seems unlikely given that, in many cases, the next closest scree and boulder fields are half a kilometer or more away. Moving to higher elevation would make sense except Glacier has only six mountains over 3,000 meters, which is the far end of the range for pika.

There is some good news among the dire. A new U.S Geological Survey (USGS) study released in July 2017 indicates that some critters are displaying “behavioral flexibility—the ability to rapidly change behavior in response to short—or long-term environmental changes such as climate variability,” notes the study’s lead researcher, Erik Beever.

“Given that species must cope with variability in environmental conditions over multiple time scales, behavioral flexibility can allow some animals a means by which to rapidly and effectively cope

LEFT: VOLUNTEERS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK HIKE TO A MOUNTAIN GOAT OBSERVATION POINT AS PART OF CITIZEN SCIENCE HIGH-ELEVATION SPECIES RESEARCH. // ABOVE: WILD FLOWERS COVER THE MEADOWS, THE “HANGING GARDENS” OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK’S HIGH COUNTRY. PHOTOS: JEAN ARTHUR

with such variability, yet without committing to more-permanent characteristics that won’t always be beneficial,” says Beever.

The researchers gleaned data from 186 studies worldwide that looked at animals’ flexibility in dealing with climate changes.

And for my favorite little mammal? The study reveals that, occasionally, pika exhibit flexible behaviors to avoid and accommodate climatic stress by changing “foraging strategy, habitat use and heat-regulating postures.”

The seemingly unsuitable habitat may be the pika’s new home, although more research is needed to determine if pika in the Northern Rockies will be able to find cool, snowy, and rocky territory.

Skiers should care about the little fur balls since its decline is a harbinger of the decline of moisture in the mountains, stored as snowpack atop glaciers.

That snowpack in the high country fills our streams and rivers. Glacier’s Triple Divide Peak is a hydrological apex with waterways flow into three major

river systems to different oceans: the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico/Atlantic Ocean and Hudson Bay/ Arctic Ocean.

As summers become hotter and drier across the West, Glacier and Waterton suffer more months of wildfires. Although open now, at this writing, part of Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road was closed to fires. What harms pika, harms people.

It’s easy to feel a bit helpless. After all, what can a few lovers of winter and mountain spaces do to alter what appears to be the course of climate change? One option is supporting The Crown of the Continent or one of the other 19 research and learning centers that combine science and education to help preserve and protect important places for generations to come. // Jean Arthur writes from Bozeman, Montana. Her most recent book, “Top Trails: Glacier National Park Must-Do Hikes for Everyone,” is a trails and cultural history guide to Glacier.

BACKCOUNTRY HIKES IN GLACIER GRINNELL GLACIER TRAIL is often a visitors’ favorite, thanks in part to the elegant Many Glacier

Hotel, dining room and ice cream parlor, its beach, nearby campground, and multiple trailheads.

Options range from the full 10.2 miles roundtrip from the trailhead at Swiftcurrent Picnic Area or a shorter option to Grinnell Glacier via Glacier Park Boat Company’s tour boats, reducing the boot-pack by 1.7 miles each way.

Chief Two Guns transports hikers across Swiftcurrent Lake where visitors disembark, walk a quarter mile to the next tour boat, Morning Eagle, for the crossing of Lake Josephine to reach the Grinnell Glacier Trail. (The boat company offers free guided hiking tours to Grinnell Glacier.) The route climbs above crystalline lakes rimmed with huckleberries, rugged peaks, and at trail’s terminus, three of the park’s famed glaciers: Grinnell, Salamander and Gem. Near the base of Grinnell Glacier, visitors stand upon 1,600-million- to 800-million-year-old rock—Precambrian stromatolites, which are blue-green algae fossils that resemble large cabbages, evidence of Proterozoic life. Wildlife roam thick here—be sure to carry bear spray. Moose frequent the lake and shoreline. Bears graze on huckleberries. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats claim the rocky high country.

THE APIKUNI FALL TRAIL begins at mile marker 10.4 along Many Glacier Road, and leads north-

ward up to the falls, a 1.8-mile round-trip, gaining 650 feet. Viewpoints provide excellent photo spots for jagged peaks, wildflowers, and Gem Glacier. The falls remain hidden until 0.8 miles, and you may hear the falls before seeing them. Listen too for pika squeaking their alarm from hiding places among boulders.

While the trail ends before the cascade, an easy scramble leads to the pool at the base of Apikuni, the Blackfeet Indians’ term, “Spotted Robe,” a name given to explorer and historian James Willard Schultz. On the return trip, notice the once-thriving mining town of Altyn on the shore of Cracker Lake, where nearly 800 people lived between 1897 and 1902 while mining for copper. (Jean Arthur) AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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TOP: LUPINE IN BLOOM. LEFT: BACK BACKLIT LUPINE SEED PODS, RAINBOW MEADOWS, NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK. RIGHT: LUPINE FLOWER SEED PODS, HIGH MOUNTAIN MEADOW IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK. // PHOTOS: NANCY BANHART.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

SHE FILLS HER POCKETS and her pack and her shirt and loiters long, too long, until our companions move on up the trail. Miles from here they will check their watches or the angle of the sun through the forest and, if they are in the know, shake their heads. Meanwhile, she slips a papery pod through her calloused fingertips.

“Too green,” she says.

Then she tests one more, peeling back the brown transparent husk, veins like parallel pen-and-ink strokes, fine and thin in the silhouette of the light.

“Just right,” she says.

She slips it into a baggie, then into a side pocket of her Carthartt shorts.

“Take only pictures, leave only footprints,” I say.

She shrugs and reaches for the next pod. I set my pack on the ground, retrieve a water bottle and sigh.

Sometimes we carry the Pojar. The full title is "Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska," compiled and edited by Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, but Northwesterners who love native plants call it simply the Pojar. Like the Bible. Today’s booty is lupine. According to the Pojar, grizzlies favor Nootka lupine, and native tribes ate the roots, pitcooked despite the fact that it’s chock-full of toxic alkaloids. (Don’t try this at home!) Blue and pealike and ubiquitous, lupine also has roots thick as a forearm and stubborn as a two-year old at bedtime.

That last part isn’t in the Pojar, but I’m here to tell you it’s true. We’ve tried transplanting. No luck.

So now it’s the seeds. A neighbor bought 50 pounds of native lupine seed and offered us all we’d like, but she’ll have none of it.

“Why not?” I asked.

“I like to collect my own,” she said. “It’s my hobby.”

When she was a child she picked up rocks on the beach, every rock, and cried if she had to

leave before she’d gotten them all, her parents say.

I’ve heard diagnoses for this, both psychological and cultural, but I am not going there. She’s not obsessed; she’s infatuated. She’s been seduced by the stripping, the saving, the drying, then planting, then cultivating. Then waiting. Part of the magic is the waiting.

“Can we go now?” I ask.

“Not yet,” she says. “In a minute.”

At home, seeds stick to her pockets and her socks in the laundry; they overfill baggies, permanent marker labeled, on the radiant heat tiles in the bathroom, and paper sacks in the mud room, and sometimes jars in the freezer: chocolate lily, tiger lily, yarrow, phlox. And not just seeds. Three dozen pots line the side of the house, under the shed eaves to catch the rain. Each is filled with tiny Western red cedars, some not an inch tall, which formerly grew along a trail where they sprouted, five thousand of them, after a fire. She dug some up and packed them out.

Cedar, according to the Pojar, was used by natives for canoes, house planks, totem poles, paddles, baskets, clothing, dishes, ceremonial drum logs, and a variety of tools. Non-natives like us use it is for shingles, shakes, siding, boats (some things never change), caskets, closets. The leaf oil makes perfumes, insecticides, veterinary soaps, shoe polishes and deodorants. Valuable booty.

“Why’d you take the trees?” I asked.

“They’d be cleared eventually,” she argued.

“They didn’t stand a chance.”

She should know. She started her life in the woods on a trail crew. Back then, she’d stop midwork, tool in hand, while clearing brush from a trail into which wildflowers intruded, to strip the pods.

Rescue, it was, pure and simple.

I tried this reasoning once in a distant national park.

Gone Native

By Ana Maria Spagna

“Could I have just this one seedling, please, the one that’s growing in silt in the culvert?” I asked.

The ranger stared.

“It will be cleared eventually,” I said.

“If you don’t want a ticket,” the ranger said, “you can buy one in the visitor center for 30 bucks.”

Out of town guests, coerced into an innocent hike with her, are likely to be corrupted straight away. Her brother once collected a baggie-full of red columbine seed. (The Quileute, according to the Pojar, chewed columbine leaves and spat them on sores. We do not.) He was sheepish and uncertain, not one for civil disobedience. But her passion is hard to resist, so he took them home to Seattle where he stuck them in pots in his garage and waited. Three years later, at his wedding reception, a small pot with a wildflower seedling sat at each guest’s table: the bounty from that trip. He and his new wife had found them and transplanted them and gifted them. This year ours had 17 blooms.

Oh, there’s more, plenty more. Once she dug a mountain hemlock and a larch from the edge of a backcountry fire ring with flat palm-sized rock and carried them out twenty miles in her backpack between dirty socks and Nalgene.

She’s eased dogwood seedlings from irrigation ditches. Another book on our shelf, "Propagation of Pacific Northwest Native Plants" by Rose, Chachulski, and Haase, has no nickname, but our dog-eared copy does have this passage bracketed in ballpoint: “When transplanting, place Pacific dogwood in a ring of native shrubs to protect the lower trunk and branches from sunburn.” She did, and we now have a row of dogwoods on the path to our house, some taller than me. We also have three glorious Tiger Lilies right by our frostfree spigot, tiger lilies with shy nodding, sepals curved backwards orange with black spots. (Why not stripes?) The Pojar claims that Coast Salish

people dried the bulbs and cooked them in soups with meat or fish.

Why does she do it? When we built our cabin in the woods a decade ago we tore out a swath of forest. Maybe this is penance? I doubt it. We’ve also changed the climate of the earth, the two of us and the rest of our ever-growing clan, so maybe she’d claim that this is “assisted migration,” a way to salvage species that are displaced by climate change.

Nah. She doesn’t move them far enough, a few miles perhaps, from public land to private, from one drainage to the next, walking distance always from our cabin, even if it’s a long walk. There’s no guilt involved, no high-minded-ness—the rescue argument, even, doesn’t hold much water since seeds disperse even when stalks are chopped—not even any symbiosis. The seeds don’t need us, and we don’t need them. We could buy native plants or, hell, hollyhocks. But there is something in the genes, I think, something she shares with the Coast Salish and the Quileute. What is it? I wonder.

Something hard wired for survival, some deep connection to the earth?

I watch her stooped over a section of browned up lupine between rock talus and a blue lake, cupping a handful of lupines-to-be, funneling them into the baggie. At home, she’ll plant them and fence them and water them and coddle them, and she’ll keep a mental map of where each has come from. For now, she turns and throws her daypack over her shoulder and grins.

“Let’s go,” she says.

It’s glee. //

INDEPENDENT LOCAL

music and perspectives

Ana Maria Spagna is a writer and former trails worker who lives--and runs, swims, hikes, skis, paddleboards, and shakes seeds from her wife's pockets-in the North Cascades. Her most recent book is “Uplake: Restless Essays of Coming and Going.”

AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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WayOutThere ACID MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM // By Alix Whitener

ILLUSTRATION: ERIKA PRINS SIMONDS

THE DAY BEFORE MOTHER’S DAY in 2016, I decided to go for a 16-mile overnight backpacking trip with my friends Chris and Alex (plus my dog, Remi) to celebrate the beginning of the season and to make sure all our gear was in order for future trips. We decided on a thru-hike from Cashmere to Wenatchee via the Devils Gulch trail.

The first 10 miles of this trip were quite ordinary; crossing streams, dodging the occasional downed log, the usual grind. But then we came across a person. Normally, this isn’t odd; but considering the snowy trail and that we were 10 miles into our hike, and this guy was in street clothes with no gear, we thought it was a little strange. Nonetheless, we exchanged niceties before continuing on our way.

Then things got a little stranger.

We found a knife, or rather a foot-long tactical survival blade, lying in the snow. Rather than try to sleep through the night knowing the weapon was out there, we took it with us and stowed it in my pack to hide it from view. I’ve listened to too many true-crime podcasts to let that one go.

A little further down the trail, a large, purple, metallic-glazed bong was waiting for us, breaching out of the snow. Next, we found a Polaroid camera, with blank Polaroid sheets, scattered about.

Up to this point, for all we knew, there were some aspiring photographers high on cannabis, missing their Excalibur, wandering around in the snow as a late-spring wintery storm loomed threateningly in the sky. In an interesting twist, a black Jansport school backpack was waiting around the next corner, empty except for a speaker that was cutting in and out of static. That’s when Alex turned to me, looked me in the eyes and said, “That’s some Blair Witch shit right there.”

Then we came across person-number-two, seemingly talking loudly on a cell phone. When he saw us, he immediately turned-tail and rapidly hiked away, in the direction we were hiking. His dog bounded behind him, looking concerned and whining. Then wouldn’t you know it, Hansel and Gretel LEFT. MORE. STUFF. A bunch of grapes. A small pocketknife. Some pot. And a cell phone, with a text from a person listed under contacts as “mom,” asking, “Are you alright?” As soon as I picked up the very-cold phone and read that startling text, the battery expired and the phone screen went dark.

Around the next corner, we encountered a young 28

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

man, possibly high school-aged, sitting in a stream of glacial-runoff, yelling nonsense, with his dog nervously pacing around him. My immediate reaction, ignited by self-preservation and experiences as a female solo hiker, and lack of experience with people on drugs, was to get the hell out of there and call for help from the safety of far away. But both Alex and Chris knew we needed to help, and calling 911 at the bottom of the road, 7 miles later, would be far too late for these young men.

We hatched a plan based on our strengths and comfort levels: the two guys would stay with the person in the stream, attempt to get him out and onto the trail, while Remi and I would hike out until we could reach cell signal and call 911.

I hiked out quickly, skirting around the snow and wondering when I’d run into person-number-three, a murder victim, or possibly another sword. I found cell service about half-a-mile away. I called 911, was put in touch with Search and Rescue (SAR), and was given a new plan: hike back and make sure the person we found didn’t have additional weapons, start hiking towards the trailhead to rendezvous with SAR, and on the way try to text a photo, name, and phone number of our rescuee to SAR, along with coordinates every half-hour as cell service allowed. Easy enough, right?

By the time I returned to my friends, they managed to get the guy onto the trail, but not without some consequences. In the process of extracting him from the stream, Alex was thanked with a punch to the face and a bite from a protective but very worried dog. Rescuing someone who wants to be rescued is one thing. But this guy seemed to be under the influence of something very mindaltering, which made rescuing him a very different experience.

When I arrived, they were having difficulty aiming the guy in the right direction; he wanted to hike in the direction opposite of the SAR rendezvous and extraction point. He did, however, seem to want to follow me. With temperatures dropping and the stormy weather moving in, it became clear that the only way to get us all moving in the correct direction was for me to hike in front, while one of my friends hiked on the guys’ heels to keep him at a good distance, and the other carried both his own backpacking equipment and the Jansport backpack of contraband.

I managed to snap a photo to send to our SAR friends, but I couldn’t get a comprehendible answer for a name and only managed to get onetwo-three-four-five-six-seven for a phone number.

Periodically, the guy would charge ahead and lunge

TIPS FOR PLACING EMERGENCY CALLS IN THE BACKCOUNTRY Not every emergency-related situation is the same, but here are some helpful tips on getting in touch with help while way out in the backcountry.

• Consider carrying a satellite communication device for hikes that take you beyond cell service (we got lucky).

• Try to remain in pairs. While I had my dog Remi with me, and both of my friends had each other, I was alone finding cell service without knowing if there were additional people (either in need of help or potentially dangerous) on the trail ahead.

• Know your location. Know the trail you’re on, the access points (there-and-back or thru-hike with multiple trailheads), and know how to access your exact location coordinates on your phone. Even without service, Google maps can give you your exact coordinates using GPS. If you do have service, you can use the “share location” feature to share your location with SAR. • Once you see you have service and you make a call, stay where you are until instructed otherwise. You know you have service in that location, and if you start to wander you may lose the signal and call before receiving instructions or communicating the situation.

• Remain calm and speak clearly when communicating with SAR or others. If you panic and are difficult to understand, it can cost time.

at me, but Alex would grab him, assuaging the situation. One time, though, he wasn’t quick enough, and I was shoved to the ground before our rescuee slipped in the snow and laid face-down, arms by his sides, as if he were giving up. Hoisting him to his feet and encouraging him down the trail, we pressed on.

Two miles of trudging through the snow later, we arrived at the trailhead where officers were waiting for us. The guy we were helping was pretty placid by that point, and wet and hypothermic. The first guy we ran into hiked out 15 minutes later, admitting that both he and his friend were hiking and dropping acid. I was asked if I could get the guys’ dog into the back of one of the trucks. When I tried, the dog slipped its collar and tried to bite me. Remi, who is supposed to protect me or at least be concerned about my wellbeing, was too busy getting head scratches from one of the policemen to care.

The officers gave us a ride to our car at the bottom of the road. When they dropped us off, they said we were responsible for saving the guys’ lives.

With the lack of equipment, food and water, and the freezing conditions expected that night, they likely would have died. This story had a happy ending compared to what could have happened.

At the time of our adventure, which we fondly refer to as the Acid Mountain Rescue Team, Alex, Chris and I had only known each other for several months. We’ve been on several other (much less dramatic, but still adventurous and fun) backpacking trips in the central Cascades since then. Some things are still the same, like how Remi still carries the beer (that we never got to enjoy on this trip). We hope the young men involved in our story learned a lesson about the outdoors, and we hope we never come across a situation like this again. But if we do, we learned a thing or two about how to be an even more effective Acid Mountain Rescue Team in the future. // Alix Whitener loves to trail run, ski, and backpack in the central Cascades, where she's probably training for her next big adventure, alongside her dog Remi and partner Cy. She is an entomologist, ultra runner, and a passionate advocate for trail users of all kinds through her involvement with Wenatchee Valley TREAD (trails, recreation, advocacy, education and development).

OutdoorCalendar (August 7, 14, & 21) Hot Summer Nights 5K Series#1. Where: Mead, Wash. Held on consecutive Wednesday nights in August (7, 14, and 21) this is a family and community friendly 5K run series starting from Mead High School. Info: Facebook

(August 10) 7 Summits MTB Vs Trail Runners.

Where: Hayden, Idaho. Organized by Trail Maniacs, this 53-mile ultra trail run and mountain bike ride follows a grueling course with 13,900 feet of total elevation gain. Info: Trailmaniacs.com

(August 16) Tase T Lentil 5K Fun Run. Where: Pullman, Wash. A USATF-certified race to celebrate the National Lentil Festival Food & Brew Fest. Info: Lentilfest.com (August 16-17) Spokane to Sandpoint Relay.

Where: Spokane. Rally a team to take on 200 miles of running fun and antics along trails and back roads from Mount Spokane to Sandpoint. Spread the running out between 12 or 6 friends to increase the fun or challenge. Info: Spokanetosandpoint.com

(August 17) Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon & 5K. Where: Tacoma, Wash. Run across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Info: Tacomanarrowshalf.com

(August 24) Millwood Days 5K. Where: Millwood, Wash. Run into sunset with this evening 5K. Finish the run with a party, including food trucks, a street

fair, live music, outdoor movie, and more. Bring the whole family for this run and community event. Info: Nsplit.com/millwood-daze-run

BIKING (August 2-4) Northwest Cup.

Where: Silver Mountain Bike Park, Kellogg, Idaho. The Northwest Cup is back, bringing the fastest downhill mountain bikers in the region to battle it out on one of the best courses of the year. The racing is just as fun to watch as it is to compete, with discounted lift tickets available for spectators, and most of Silver’s mountain biking trails will still be open for guests. Info: Silvermt.com

(August 3) Blazing Saddles Bike Ride. Where: Colville, Wash. Held in conjunction with the Colville Rendezvous Community Celebration in the City Park, choose from highly scenic century, metric century, or 42-mile routes on low-traffic country roads.

Info: Blazing100.org

(August 16-17) Tour De Lentil Bike Ride.

Where: Pullman, Wash. Held in conjunction with the National Lentil Festival, this ride features 50, 100, and 150K routes through the Palouse. Info: Lentilfest.com

(August 25) Chuckanut Classic.

Where: Bellingham, Wash. Formerly the Chuckanut Century, this is one of the most scenic rides in Washington.

With many routes offered you can pick your distance ranging from 25, 38, 62, or the full century

of 100 miles. Or bring your family on a shorter guided 10-mile jaunt with treats, entertainment, and other on-route stops and surprises for kids. Info: Mtbakerbikeclub.clubexpress.com

OTHER (August 3) Long Bridge Swim.

Where: Sandpoint. A 1.76-mile swim race across Lake Pend Oreille. This year is the 25th annual event.

Info: Longbridgeswim.org

(August 10) Swim the Snake. Where: Lyons Ferry Park, Wash. Swim across the Snake River channel between Lyons Ferry State Park and Lyons Ferry Marina. Or paddle a kayak or SUP for this .7-mile event. Swimthesnakedotorg.wordpress.com

(August 17) Brewfest 2019. Where: Silver Mountain Resort. Beer lovers unite at the top of Silver Mountain for Brewsfest 2019. With 360-degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains and cool temperatures to beat the summer heat, the Brewsfest venue to taste craft offerings from 22 breweries and 4 cideries and kick back with live music. Info: Silvermt.com (August 24) Priest Lake Triathlon.

Where: Priest Lake, Idaho. An Olympic Tri (relay or individual), Sprint MTB individual or relay, and team options on and along beautiful Priest Lake. One of the most scenic triathlon events anywhere. Info: Priestlakerace.com

SIX MONTH EVENTCALENDAR RUNNING (September 15) Sandpoint Scenic Half Marathon & 10K. Where: Sandpoint, Idaho. With a route across Sandpoint’s iconic Long Bridge, offering panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains, this race attracts hundreds of runners from all across the country. Info: Scenichalf. com

(September 21) Happy Girls Run.

Where: Spokane. This women’s event keeps growing for a reason: beautiful trails, positive and encouraging atmosphere, a distance for everyone (5K, 10K, or half marathon), and fabulous post-race festivities and goody bags. Info: Happygirlsrun.com

(September 29) Sekani 5K & 10K Trail Run.

three ride routes: 9 miles, 21 miles, and a half century. Check out vendors after the ride in the Kendall Yards neighborhood. Info: Spokefest.org

(September 8) Mt Baker Hill Climb.

Where: Bellingham, Wash. Ascend 4,098 feet from Glacier to Artist Point in just over 22 miles. This timed race offers recreational and competitive divisions including cash prizes for the top three male and female finishers. Scenic Highway 542 is closed to traffic for this event. Info: Whatcomevents.org

(September 14) Global Kidical Massive. Where: Kendall Yards, Spokane. Local kids will join thousands of cyclists worldwide for this family-friendly ride on a 3-mile route through the neighborhood and on the Centennial Trail. Info: Summerparkways.com

Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. Run or walk the beautiful trails above the Spokane River and support Franklin Elementary School’s A.P.P.L.E. program.

There’s also a free kid’s 1K run. Info: Sekanitrailrun. com

(September 15-16) RIM Ride.

(October 5) Wild Moose Chase Trail Run.

(September 21) Coeur D’Fondo.

Where: Mount Spokane. Touted as one of the best trail runs in the Northwest, choose between 5K, 10K, and 25K distances and enjoy the fall colors at Mount Spokane State Park. Info: Nsplit.com.

BIKING

Where: Liberty Lake, Wash. Choose from a 5-mile family bike ride on Saturday or a 15, 25, 50, or 100-mile ride on Sunday to benefit local Rotary Club projects. Info: Rotaryinmotion.com

Where: Coeur d’Alene. The course for this ride covers Idaho’s Scenic Byway (Highway 97) and finishes downtown at the Oktoberfest event. Options include 90, 50, or 40 mile distances, as well as a 15-mile family fun ride. Info: Cdagranfondo.com

(September 8) SpokeFest. Where: Kendall Yards,

(September 21-23) SilverRoxx Mountain Bike Festival. Where: Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg.

Spokane. This 12th annual bicycling event includes

A 3-day mountain bike festival with downhill and

super-d races, kids races, riding the trails, and socials.

Info: Silvermt.com

(October 6) Dirty Spokanza.

Where: Spokane Valley. A 100-mile mixed-surface ride with pavement, gravel, singletrack, doubletrack, and a few optional jumps. Expect plenty of high strangeness, antics, and a challenging course. Info: Dirtyspokanza.com

OTHER (September 23) Valleyfest Multi-Sport Day. Where: Spokane Valley. The Valleyfest annual triathlon with a boat leg instead of a swim, includes a 1.5 mile canoe or kayak, an 11 mile bike ride, and a 3-mile run all through some of Spokane Valley’s most scenic places. Info: Valleyfest.org.

(February 22-23) 4th Annual Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo. Where:

Spokane Convention Center. Check out all types of bikes from local shops and reps, and find deals on bikes, paddle sports gear, and other outdoor equipment; outdoor adventure travel destinations and clubs from around the region; enter to win thousands of dollars of outdoor gear prizes; and learn new outdoor skills, try gear, and enjoy free backcountry snacks at the REI Campground. Plenty of kids’ activities, including a climbing wall make this a fabulous family event. Info: SpokaneOutdoorExpo.com.

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AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

29

Last Page THE ROPE AND THE LINE // By Allison Roskelley

JESS FENTON ROSKELLEY, my husband and life

partner for the past six years, passed away in a climbing accident on April 16 in Alberta, Canada.

As the memories continue to flood my brain and push me to tears in waves of pain, I can’t help but notice that each memory circles back to a common denominator—that Jess was so much more than just a climber. Although he is probably best known for three things—being the son of famous mountaineer, John Roskelley; the youngest American to summit Everest in 2003; and one of the best alpine climbers in the world—there is so much more that I want people to know about Jess.

For starters, I’d like to focus on a sport that connected the two of us from the very beginning: fishing. Jess’s middle name comes from his grandfather, Fenton Samuel Roskelley, who was a writer for “The Spokesman-Review” and “Spokane Daily

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

Chronicle” for over 60 years. Like his grandfather, Jess loved fishing, and it’s one of the many reasons I fell in love with him. I, too, grew up fishing with my grandfather, Charles Adams, which made it a very attractive quality in Jess. Some of my fondest memories as a little girl are the times I woke up at the crack of dawn to meet Grandpa Chuck for a day of fishing on the North Fork of the Clearwater River. We’d fish all day long and stop to pick huckleberries on the way home.

Jess and I got married on July 25, 2015, and we decided to postpone our honeymoon until we could save up some cash and make it our dream vacation. So, we went on a “minimoon” instead for five days after our wedding day. We packed up our popup camper, threw in a few of Fenton’s fly-fishing rods, and hit the road for Bozeman. Jess’s very best friend from high school, Tim, lived in Bozeman

JULY 2018 ON THE NORTH FORK OF THE COEUR D'ALENE RIVER. PHOTO: JED CONKLIN. // BELOW: APRIL 2016, KETCHIKAN, ALASKA. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALLISON ROSKELLEY

and had just bought a little fiberglass fishing boat, so he offered to be our Yellowstone River guide for the trip. Although I grew up to be quite the fisherwoman because of those times with Grandpa Chuck, I didn’t know a thing about fly fishing until this trip with Jess.

When we arrived in Bozeman, we popped the camper up on the side of the road outside of Tim’s house. Of course, we could have easily stayed IN Tim’s house, but we were a couple of newlyweds, high on love, and there was just something special about that little camper of ours; it was home to us.

After we were settled in, we grabbed a couple beers and headed to the backyard, where Jess gave me my first casting lesson with a fly rod. I’m not going to lie; I was quite the natural from the get-go, and Jess was really impressed. Shout out to Grandpa Chuck for starting me out right!

The following days consisted of hours and hours of fishing, from the early morning dew until past the sunset when the bats came out over the water.

We fished, laughed, and drank a few too many beers. It was perfect and was the start of many more fishing adventures together in our marriage. From that moment on, fly fishing became a part of nearly every one of our travels together. We rarely left for a trip without a couple of Fenton’s rods. I visited Jess on his climbing trip to Patagonia in December of 2015 where we fished ice-cold glacier run-off outside of El Chaltén. In spring of 2017, we traveled to Playa del Carmen for a wedding and booked a deep-sea fishing tour, where I caught a massive barracuda and Jess couldn’t catch anything but rockfish. He would tell you that I always seemed to find a way to outfish him, ha!

On our most recent vacation to Costa Rica, which would be our last trip together, we booked

a deep-sea fishing tour on our final day. I reeled in a pompano and Jess caught a couple black tuna, which we took to a restaurant and had fresh ceviche made for us with homemade plantain chips and margaritas. We enjoyed our meal together on the beach as the sun was setting on our final night in Costa Rica. It was perfect and a memory I will hold onto forever. The climbing accident took place less than a month later.

I’ve realized there are commonalities between fishing and climbing. In fishing, the line is a common metaphor for attachment, partnership, trust, mutual connection, and faith. In climbing, the rope is also a common metaphor for these same ideals.

In fishing, when a fish bites the hook, it signals the commencement of the hardest part of the fight, and from that moment, you have to fight harder than ever to close the deal. The same goes for climbing.

When you reach the summit of a mountain, that doesn’t mean the climb is over. The hardest part of the fight is to keep strong and focused on the way down.

Our fishing excursions came full circle when Tim came to town to spend some time with me the week before Jess’s memorial service. He brought a gift—the fly-fishing rod that I used to catch my first fish on our minimoon. I plan to cast that rod into many rivers in the future, and I will hold Jess close wherever it takes me—although I’m not sure he’s the best luck when it comes to actually catching fish! // Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Allison Roskelley has loved the outdoors since she locked into a pair of skis at the age of two. Her proudest accomplishment is paddling the first SUP descent of the Spokane River, covering 111 miles and 6 portages across 4 consecutive days.

AUGUST 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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The Anniversary Sale runs Wednesday th to

August 7 Monday August 12th Opening Day customers receive an ADDITIONAL

10

%

OFF

ANYTHING In The Store – Including Sale Items!*

Storewide Savings up to 60OFF Deals on TOP BRANDS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT with

%

CLIMBING • BOATS • FOOTWEAR • CLOTHING • BACKPACKING • CAMPING • MOUNTAINEERING

OUR BEST SAVINGS FOR OUR HOMETOWN CUSTOMERS WITH

IN-STORE PRICING THAT BEATS OUR WEBSITE! 2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000 • mountaingear.com Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm

*Offers and discounts are valid in store only and cannot be combined with other offers or applied to the purchase of a gift certificate. Other exclusions may apply, see store for details. Discount is exclusive of applicable taxes.

No cash value. Additional 10% off offer valid August 7, 2019 only.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / AUGUST 2019

Blossom Lake, MT

Jim Rueckel